bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of pulmonary histopathological findings with toxicological findings in forensic autopsies of illicit drug users
Authors: Todorovic Milos , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Aleksandric Branimir , Mladjenovic Nenad , Matejic Suzana
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Drug abuse remains a significant social problem in many
countries. The aim of the study was to estimate association between pulmonary
histopathological changes and results of toxicological analyses in forensic
autopsies of illicit drug users. Methods. This investigation was performed in
the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Belgrade, and in the Clinical Center,
Department of Forensic Medicine, Kragujevac, from 2000 to 2004, and included
63 medicolegal autopsies of heroin or other drug consumers who suddenly died.
Autopsies, postmortem toxicological examination of drugs and serological
analyses of anti- HIV/HBV/HCV antibodies were performed. Results. The
deceased persons were mostly male, 46/63 (73.01%), ranged in age from 19 to
49 years (mean 31 years) and all were whites. Postmortem toxicological
examination was performed on all of the deceased persons and drugs in the
fatal range were identified in only eight of them (12.7%), in the toxic range
in ten (15.87%), and in minimal concentrations in 35 (55.56%) of the deceased
persons. Drugs identified in the fatal, toxic or minimal range included
heroin-morphine (38/53), cocaine (4/53), tramadol (3/53), and lorazepam
(1/53). In the 7 remaining subjects, ethanol in combination with heroin was
found in 4 cases, and diazepam in combination with heroin in 3 cases.
Dominant pathomorphological changes were findings in the lung tissue. Most
common histological changes observed in drug users were pulmonary edema -
55/63 (87.3%), acute alveolar hemorrhages - 49/63 (77.78%), hemosiderin-laden
macrophages (siderophages) - 52/63 (82,54%), and emphysematous changes -
51/63 (80,95%). Conclusion. Pulmonary edema is the frequent non-specific
autopsy finding which is associated with virtually all routes of drug
administration. The histopatological study is necessary to determinate a
cause of death when a deceased person has the history of dependence or abouse
of psychoactive drugs with negative toxicological results.
Risk factors for brain metastases in surgically staged IIIA non-small cell lung cancer patients treated with surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
Authors: Petrovic Marina , Ilic Nevenka , Loncarevic Olivera , Cekerevac Ivan , Lazic Zorica , Novkovic Ljiljana , Cupurdija Vojislav , Kostic Gordana
Published: August 2011

Introduction/Aim. Lung cancer is a leading cause of mortality among patients
with carcinomas. The aim of this study was to point out risk factors for
brain metastases (BM) appearance in patients with IIIA (N2) stage of nonsmall
cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with three-modal therapy. Methods. We
analyzed data obtained from 107 patients with IIIA (N2) stage of NSCLC
treated surgically with neoadjuvant therapy. The frequency of brain
metastases was examined regarding age, sex, histological type and the size of
tumor, nodal status, the sequence of radiotherapy and chemotherapy
application and the type of chemotherapy. Results. Two and 3-year incidence
rates of BM were 35% and 46%, respectively. Forty-six percent of the patients
recurred in the brain as their first failure in the period of three years.
Histologically, the patients with nonsquamous cell lung carcinoma had
significantly higher frequency of metastases in the brain compared with the
group of squamous cell lung carcinoma (46% : 30%; p = 0.021). Examining
treatment-related parameters, treatment with taxane-platinum containing
regimens was associated with a lower risk of brain metastases, than
platinum-etoposide chemotherapy regimens (31% : 52%; p = 0.011). Preoperative
radiotherapy, with or without postoperative treatment, showed lower rate of
metastases in the brain compared with postoperative radiotherapy treatment
only (33% : 48%; p = 0.035). Conclusion. Brain metastases are often site of
recurrence in patients with NSCLC (IIIA-N2). Autonomous risk factors for
brain metastases in this group of patients are non-squamous NSCLC, N1-N2
nodal status, postoperative radiotherapy without preoperative radiotherapy.
Neurons of human nucleus accumbens
Authors: Sazdanovic Maja , Sazdanovic Predrag , Zivanovic-Macuzic Ivana , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Jeremic Dejan , Peljto Amir , Tosevski Jovo
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Nucleus accumbens is a part of the ventral striatum also
known as a drug active brain region, especially related with drug addiction.
The aim of the study was to investigate the Golgi morphology of the nucleus
accumbens neurons. Methods. The study was performed on the frontal and
sagittal sections of 15 human brains by the Golgi Kopsch method. We
classified neurons in the human nucleus accumbens according to their
morphology and size into four types: type I - fusiform neurons; type II -
fusiform neurons with lateral dendrite, arising from a part of the cell body;
type III - pyramidal-like neuron; type IV - multipolar neuron. The medium
spiny neurons, which are mostly noted regarding to the drug addictive
conditions of the brain, correspond to the type IV - multipolar neurons.
Results. Two regions of human nucleus accumbens could be clearly recognized
on Nissl and Golgi preparations each containing different predominant
neuronal types. Central part of nucleus accumbens, core region, has a low
density of impregnated neurons with predominant type III, pyramidal-like
neurons, with spines on secondary branches and rare type IV, multipolar
neurons. Contrary to the core, peripheral region, shell of nucleus, has a
high density of impregnated neurons predominantly contained of type I and
type IV - multipolar neurons, which all are rich in spines on secondary and
tertiary dendritic branches. Conclusion. Our results indicate great
morphological variability of human nucleus accumbens neurons. This requires
further investigations and clarifying clinical significance of this important
brain region.
Epidemiology of nosocomial colonization/infection caused by Acinetobacter spp. in patients of six surgical clinics in war and peacetime
Authors: Suljagic Vesna , Jevtic Miodrag , Djordjevic Boban , Romic Predrag , Ilic Radoje , Stankovic Nebojsa , Milovic Novak , Novakovic Marijan , Kozarski Jefta , Roganovic Zoran , Popovic Zoran , Jovelic Aleksandra
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Acinetobacter spp. has emerged as nosocomial pathogen during
the past few decades in hospitals all over the world, but it has increasingly
been implicated as a serious nosocomial pathogen in military hospitals. The
aim of this study was to analyze and compare the surveillance data on
Acinetobacter nosocomial colonization/infection (NCI) collected during the
wartime with the data collected in peacetime. Methods. We conducted a
prospective study of incidence of Acinetobacter spp. colonization/ infection.
Also, the two nested case-control studies were conducted. The patients with
nosocomial infection (cases) were compared with those with nosocomial
colonization (controls) during the two different periods, wartime and
peacetime. The patients with NCI by Acinetobacter spp. were identified by the
case-based surveillance. The surveillance covered all the patients in 6
surgical clinics. Results. During the study periods a total of 166 patients
had cultures that grew Acinetobacter spp. and the pooled rates of
Acinetobacter spp. colonization and infection were significantly higher in
wartime. When patients with NCI in wartime were compared with those with NCI
in peacetime significant differences were observed. In the war year, the
patients were more significantly males (p < 0.000). In a period of peace,
most of the colonization/infections were reported from patients with certain
chronic diseases (p = 0.020) and the survival of patients was more
significant (p = 0.049). During the peacetime, proportions of Acinetobacter
isolates resistent to ciprofloksacin, imipenem and meropenem were
significantly higher (p < 0.001). Conclusion. This study provides additional
important information about the risk factors of nosocomial Acinetobacter spp.
infections in a large cohort of surgical patients. This is also the first
study that directly examines epidemiological differences between NCI caused
by Acinetobacter spp. during the war and peace period.
Clinical manifestations of atopy in children up to two years of age
Authors: Ilic Nevenka , Velickovic Vesna , Djokic Dragoljub , Rankovic Nebojsa , Kostic Gordana , Petrovic Marina , Radunovic Milica , Baskic Dejan
Published: August 2011

Background/Aim. Atopic diseases such as atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis
and asthma have had increased prevalence during the past decade and nowadays
occur in every third child in developed countries. The aim of the study was
to determine frequency and type of atopic diseases at the age of two, as well
as the importance the total IgE antibodies concentrations have in diagnosis
and prognosis of the disease. Methods. The study involved 175 children up to
two years of age. Allergy-like symptoms were found after surveying their
parents and pediatric medical records. Using the fluorescence immunossay
(FIA) method, total IgE antibodies concentrations and specific IgE antibodies
(Phadiatop infant) were determined on an Immunocap 100 Dyagnostic System.
Results. One or more allergy-like symptoms accounted for 57.7% of findings in
children under the age of two, whilst in 19.4% the existence of IgE-related
allergic diseases was found. Atopic diseases usually have clinical
manifestations of atopic dermatitis (11.4%), IgE-bound wheezing/asthma
(10.8%) and food allergies (7.4%), and to much lesser extent those of
allergic rhinitis (3.4%) and urticaria (1.7%). The significantly higher total
IgE antibodies concentrations were found in children with allergy-like
symptoms (p < 0.0005) (cut-off 15.15 kU/L, sensitivity 76.5% specificity
71.6%). Conclusion. Almost 20% of two-year-old children have any of
clinically manifested allergic diseases, with atopic dermatitis and IgE
wheeze/asthma being predominant. The higher total IgE antibodies
concentration is a good marker for sensitization in children with
allergy-like symptoms.
Impact of Assurance and Assurer's Professional Affiliation on Financial Analysts' Assessment of Credibility of Corporate Social Responsibility Information
Authors: Pflugrath Gary , Roebuck Peter , Simnett Roger
Published: August 2011

This study reports the results of a behavioral experiment examining whether financial analysts from Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom perceive a difference in the credibility of stand-alone corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports depending on whether they are assured, and the type of assurance provider (professional accountants versus sustainability consultants). We further examine whether the perceived credibility differs for financial analysts from the different countries and whether results hold for companies from different industries. The overall results show the credibility of a CSR report is greater when it is assured and when the assurer is a professional accountant. While assurance increases the credibility of the information in each of the three countries included, the relative impact is context-specific. Information is perceived to be more credible when a company is from an industry where assurance is more commonplace, and by financial analysts from the United States when the assurer is a professional accountant. Financial analysts from Australia and the United Kingdom perceive little difference in the enhanced credibility provided by the different assurance providers.

Data Availability: Contact the first author about the availability of the data.
Recent Auditor Downgrade Activity and Changes in Clients' Discretionary Accruals
Authors: Carver Brian T. , Hollingsworth Carl W. , Stanley Jonathan D.
Published: August 2011

This study examines whether recent auditor downgrade activity is associated with subsequent changes in clients' discretionary accruals. The market for audit services has undergone dramatic change in recent years, resulting in a substantial increase in the number of clients realigning to smaller auditors. This shift in the audit market raises concern about the potential adverse effects of clients moving away from larger, and perhaps more effective, auditors. Consistent with this concern, our analysis of auditor switches occurring between 2003 and 2005 indicates that downgrade clients reported a significant increase in signed discretionary accruals over the two years following the switch. In contrast, we find no significant change in discretionary accruals for a control sample of lateral switches. However, between-sample comparisons fail to provide consistent evidence that the two groups reported accrual changes differently following the auditor switch.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources identified in the text.
Internal Auditors' Fraud Judgments: The Benefits of Brainstorming in Groups
Authors: Carpenter Tina D. , Reimers Jane L. , Fretwell Phillip Z.
Published: August 2011

Recent fraud scandals have encouraged actions by standard-setters to improve both corporate governance among firms and auditors' fraud investigations. Internal auditors are now viewed as playing an important role in reducing fraudulent financial reporting. Although brainstorming is not required by internal auditors, researchers and leaders in the profession suggest that it may be helpful to internal auditors in assessing and identifying risks. In this study, we investigate whether the group interaction associated with brainstorming is necessary to reap the benefits of brainstorming for internal auditors' fraud judgments. Guided by psychology theory on cognitive load, we also examine whether this group interaction can reduce a response mode bias that auditors have exhibited when assessing risk. Consistent with prior research on external auditors, we find that internal auditors who brainstorm in groups identify fewer fraud risks (i.e., quantity) than nominal groups of individual auditors who brainstorm alone, but brainstorming groups identify more quality fraud risks than nominal groups. Further, we find that auditors who assess risk qualitatively generally provide higher fraud risk assessments than those auditors who assess risk quantitatively. However, after group brainstorming this bias is reduced.

Data Availability: Contact the authors.
Client Importance and Earnings Management: The Moderating Role of Audit Committees
Authors: Sharma Vineeta D. , Sharma Divesh S. , Ananthanarayanan Umapathy
Published: August 2011

This study provides empirical evidence on how the association between the economic importance of a client to the auditor and earnings management is moderated by the audit committee. We employ city office-level client importance fee-based measures, both performance-adjusted discretionary total and current accruals as proxies for earnings management, and a measure of audit committee best practices. We document a positive association between client importance and our two proxies for earnings management. This association is stronger for income-increasing earnings management. However, the association between client importance and earnings management is more pronounced when the audit committee does not meet best practices. We infer that the economic importance of a client appears to threaten auditor independence and thus the quality of financial reporting, but only when the audit committee exhibits characteristics associated with the provision of weak oversight. We also find that the association between client importance and earnings management is conditional on inside ownership, growth, leverage, and firm size, which are moderated by the audit committee. This study is the first to demonstrate that audit committees can moderate threats to auditor independence thus protecting the quality of financial reporting. The study discusses potential implications for policy making and empirical research.
The crossing number of G ▭ C
n for the graph G on six vertices
Authors: Draženská Emília
Published: August 2011

The crossing numbers of Cartesian products of paths, cycles or stars with all graphs of order at most four are known. The crossing numbers of G□C
n for some graphs G on five and six vertices and the cycle C
n are also given. In this paper, we extend these results by determining the crossing number of the Cartesian product G □ C
n, where G is a specific graph on six vertices.
On β-expansions of unity for rational and transcendental numbers β
Authors: Dubickas Artūras
Published: August 2011

We investigate the sequence of integers x
1, x
2, x
3, … lying in {0, 1, …, [β]} in a so-called Rényi β-expansion of unity 1 = $\sum\limits_{j = 1}^\infty {x_j \beta ^{ - j} } $ for rational and transcendental numbers β > 1. In particular, we obtain an upper bound for two strings of consecutive zeros in the β-expansion of unity for rational β. For transcendental numbers β which are badly approximable by algebraic numbers of every large degree and bounded height, we obtain an upper bound for the Diophantine exponent of the sequence X = (xj)j=1∞ in terms of β.
A note on improved estimations for integrated Szász-Mirakyan operators
Authors: Gupta Vijay , Deo Naokant
Published: August 2011

In the present paper, we propose a modification of the integrated Szász-Mirakyan operators having the weight function of general Beta basis function. We study some direct results on the modified operators. It is also observed that our modified operators have better estimates over the original operators.
On isometries in GMV-algebras
Authors: Jasem Milan
Published: August 2011

Let A = (A,⊕,−,∼, 0, 1) be a GMV-algebra and ρ: A × A → A the distance function on A defined by ρ(x, y) = (x∨y)−(x∧y) for each x, y ∈ A.

In this note it is shown that a mapping f: A → A such that ρ(a, b) = ρ(f(a), f(b)) for each a, b ∈ A is a bijection and satisfies the following condition f([c ∧ d, c ∨ d]) = [f(c) ∧ f(d), f(c) ∨ f(d)] for each c, d ∈ A.
Bioaccumulation of 137Cs by benthic plants and macroinvertebrates
Authors: Zalewska Tamara , Saniewski Michał
Published: August 2011

137Cs activity concentrations were determined in macrophytes and macrozoobenthic organisms from the southern Baltic Sea. Cesium isotope content was analysed in macroalgae species (green, red and brown algae representatives) and in some species of vascular plants. The analyzed macroinvertebrate organisms included bivalves and a crustacean.

Concentration factors (CF) were calculated using the determined 137Cs concentration in the flora and fauna organisms against that in seawater, and the bioaccumulative properties were compared. The study pointed out that the most important factors in the cesium bioaccumulation process occurring in plants are related to morphology. The highest CF values were obtained in algae Polysiphonia fucoides, Ectocarpus siliculosus and Cladophora glomerata. Decidedly lower CF values were observed in the vascular plants and macrozoobenthos representatives.
Effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exposure on antioxidant system activities and proline content in Kandelia candel
Authors: Song Hui , Wang You-Shao , Sun Cui-Ci , Wu Mei-Lin , Peng Ya-Lan , Deng Chao , Li Qian
Published: August 2011

The antioxidant system effects of Kandelia candel were investigated under four different levels of PAH stress. The activities of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD), the responses to the change of malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and the accumulation of proline in K. candel were determined. Our results suggested that the activities of SOD, CAT, POD increased significantly in leaves and roots of K. candel (p≤0.05) with the increase of the external PAH concentrations, while in stems, the activities of these antioxidant enzymes were all significantly inhibited (p≤0.01). We also observed an increase of MDA in leaves, stems and roots, and an obvious correlation between MDA content and PAH concentrations in three locations, which showed that the change of MDA content could be used as a biomarker of K. candel under PAH stress. The proline content was found remarkably enhanced in leaves, stems and roots. However, a significant inverse correlation was observed between the proline content and SOD (r=−0.99, p≤0.01), POD (r=−0.95, p≤0.05) activities in stems. This study suggested that the antioxidative system of K. candel has an obvious organ-dependent feature when exposed to PAH contamination as revealed by discriminant analysis (DA).
Has zooplankton 24 hour vertical distribution pattern in Lough Derg (Ireland) been changed over the period of ∼90 years?
Authors: Pociecha Agnieszka , McCarthy Thomas
Published: August 2011

The vertical distribution of zooplankton was examined in Lough Derg, Ireland. Zooplankton was collected at one location every 2 m from the surface to the bottom during 24 hours at four-hour intervals. Zooplankton was identified to the species level and its density was calculated for each taxon, depth and hour. We recorded 9 rotifer, 3 copepod, and 4 cladoceran species. The highest total zooplankton density (rotifers, copepods, cladocerans, mysids and zebra mussel larvae) was recorded at 3 a.m. Rotifers preferred mainly a depth from 0 to 8 m, while copepods and cladocerans were observed within the whole water column during a 24 hour observation. It was a different pattern of diurnal migration than that Southern and Gardiner (1932) received, though they didn’t study rotifers. Probably food concentration and/or predators, or other environmental factors could influence the diel vertical migration of zooplankton from Loug Derg.
The relative growth of walking legs of adult Chinese mitten crabs, Eriocheir sinensis in the Odra estuary (Poland). The major axis statistical modeling
Authors: Giosa Marcello , Czerniejewski Przemysław
Published: August 2011

We have quantified the relative growth of the merus and the propodus & carpus of walking legs of an adult of Eriocheir sinensis against the carapace width by fitting the major axis lines. Different lines have been fitted to data relative to male and female individuals. Slope and elevation tests have been performed to investigate sexual dimorphism. Isometry tests have been used to classify the relative growth of each part of the legs against the carapace width as isometric or allometric.

All the slope tests have not rejected the null hypothesis of a common slope for the major axes fitted to male data and to female data. However, all the elevation tests have rejected the null hypothesis of a common elevation; so sexual dimorphism was detected for all measured leg parts. The isometry tests have rejected the null hypothesis of isometry only for the merus of the first (left and right) legs of male individuals. All the other isometry tests have not rejected the null hypothesis of isometry. So the relative growth of all the measured leg parts, but the merus of the first (left and right) legs of males, against the carapace width was isometric both for males and for females.
Studies concerning heterotrophic bacteria decomposing macromolecular compounds at two marine beaches
Authors: Mudryk Zbigniew , Skórczewski Piotr , Perliński Piotr , Wielgat Milena
Published: August 2011

The potential capability to decompose macromolecular compounds was confirmed in heterotrophic bacteria isolated from two sandy beaches located on the southern Baltic coast. Proteolytic bacteria were the most numerous group, whereas lipolytic organisms were rare among bacteria inhabiting the studied beaches. All studied physiological groups of bacteria were considerably more numerous in the sand of the beach subject to stronger anthropopressure. The differences in bacteriological parameters across the horizontal profile of the beaches were noted. In both studied beaches a higher number of bacteria able to decompose macromolecular compounds were recorded in the surface as compared to the subsurface sand layer.
Kinetics and Mechanism of the Ligand Substitution Reaction of Di-μ-Hydroxobis(Bipyridyl)Dipalladium(Ii)Ion with Dipeptides in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Mallick Subhasis , Bera Biplab K. , Mondal Arup , Datta Asok K , Mandal Subala , Karmakar Parnajyoti , Ghosh Alak K.
Published: August 2011

The interaction of the title complex with dipeptides such as glycylglycine (Gly - Gly) and glycylglutamine (Gly-Gin) has been studied spectrophotometrically in aqueous medium as a function of [substrate complex], [ligand] and temperature at a particular pH (7.4), where the substrate complex exists predominantly as the dimeric dihydroxo-bridged species and the dipeptides are in zwitterionic form, at constant ionic strength. The reactions have been studied under pseudo-first order conditions. The reaction proceeds in a two-step-consecutive manner (A ->B ->C); where the first step is ligand-dependent and second step is ligand-independent, and is assigned to ring closure. Based on the kinetic and activation parameters, an associative interchange mechanism is proposed for the interaction processes.
A Synthesis of 3-Substituted 3-Hydroxyoxindoles via an Indium-Mediated Barbier-type Allylation of Isatins in PEG-400
Authors: Chen Junmin , Yuan Tangjun , Liu Li
Published: August 2011

A simple procedure for the synthesis of 3-allyl-3-hydroxyoxindoles from isatins in PEG-400 using organoindium reagents generated in situ is described. A variety of isatins reactede with allyl bromides to give the target products with excellent yields in mild conditions.
The Synthesis of Aryl Halomethylated Unsaturated Iminolactones
Authors: Zonouzi Afsaneh , Rahmani Hossein , Biniaz Mojtaba , Izakian Zakieh , Ng Seik Weng
Published: August 2011

Halomethylated iminolactones have been synthesised from alkyl isocyanides, acetylene dicarboxylic acid esters and halogenated acetophenones in solvent free microwave assisted multi-component reactions.
Amino Oxazolines as Easily Accessible Water Stable Ligands for Palladium Catalysed Aqueous Heck Reaction
Authors: Saiyed Akeel S. , Joshi Reshma S. , Bedekar Ashutosh V.
Published: August 2011

A series of amino oxazolinyl ligands were screened for palladium catalysed Heck reaction. These ligands work well as phosphine free system in aqueous, micellar medium, can be effectively recovered and reused for subsequent cycles.
Role of serum procalcitonin and C-Reactive Protein in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis
Authors: Naher BS , Mannan MA , Noor K , Shahidullah M
Published: August 2011

This cross sectional observational study was done in the division of neonatology, department of pediatrics, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) in the year 2007. The study population was 50 newborns in total who needed evaluation of sepsis on clinical suspicion. The main objective of this study was to assess serum procalcitonin (PCT) as a better diagnostic marker than CReactive Protein (CRP) in neonatal sepsis. The total study populations were classified into 4 groups like highly probable, probable, and possible and no sepsis group according to the clinical and blood parameters. PCT and CRP were assessed and compared by statistical analysis. For the estimation of PCT and CRP, venous blood was drawn and centrifuged and stored at – 20oC in the refrigerator. Later on PCT was measured by rapid semi quantitative immunochromatographic test. Level of CRP was determined by semi quantitative method (latex). All data were analyzed by SPSS version 10 windows. For statistical analysis appropriate tests were done. In all observations sepsis was found to be more common in male newborns and in those who were delivered by caesarean section. In low birth weight and preterm newborns sepsis was more prevalent. Premature rupture of membrane (PROM) was found to be the commonest maternal clinical condition as a risk factor of sepsis. There was positive correlation between serum PCT and CRP and values of serum PCT as well as CRP differed significantly in the different categories of sepsis indicating relation to the severity of sepsis. PCT is a useful, sensitive and independent biomarker of neonatal sepsis. CRP measurement along with PCT measurement may increase the specificity. Though PCT measurement is comparatively expensive but an easy bed side promt convenient procedure for sick neonates in addition to CRP for rapid evaluation of neonatal sepsis rather than waiting for the report of blood culture.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i2.8432BMRCB 2011; 37(2): 40-46
Knowledge about inhaler use among the chronic asthma patients in selected hospitals
Authors: Parvin IA , Ahmad SA , Islam MN
Published: August 2011

This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among the chronic asthma patients attending three Institutes of Dhaka city namely National Asthma Center, The National Institute of Diseases of Chest and Hospital (NIDCH), Mohakhali, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital to assess the level of knowledge regarding inhaler use. Convenient sampling was adopted. Data were collected using one semi-structured questionnaire through face-to-face interview. The patients were aged from 18 to 75 years with mean age being 40.68 years and sd ± 11.659 years. The mean monthly income of the respondents found was 8278.52 taka with standard deviation ± 3523.315 taka. Mean duration of bronchial asthma was 9.44 years with sd±4.862 years. Out of the total 298 respondents 103(35.8%) possessed “excellent knowledge” on inhalers. Ninety one (31.6%) had “adequate knowledge”, sixty nine (24.0%) had “poor knowledge” and thirty five (8.7%) respondents were found having “no knowledge” about inhalers. Males were seen having better knowledge than the females (χ2 =66.582, df=3, p<0.001). The respondents receiving treatment from the indoor possessed better knowledge than those from the outdoors (p<0.001). Level of Knowledge was also found to be associated with the educational status of the respondents. Respondents with higher education possessed more than the respondents with lower education (p<0.001). Though most of the physicians now prescribe inhalers, but many of them do not explain the proper use of inhaler. This may be corrected through training and motivation of physicians at Medical Colleges and Hospitals and during various medical conferences and other programs. To reduce the extent of suffering and economic burden of asthma patients and their families, active education program for the patients and training program for the health care providers, regarding “inhaler use technique” demands early consideration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i2.8433 BMRCB 2011; 37(2): 47-50
Eclampsia-scenario in a hospital- a ten years study
Authors: Pal A , Bhattacharyya R , Adhikari S , Roy A , Chakrabarty D , Ghosh P , Banerjee C
Published: August 2011

This cross sectional record based institutional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Burdwan Medical College, Burdwan over ten years (1999-2008) aiming analysis of eclamptic mothers for evaluation of maternal and perinatal outcome with different anticonvulsant medications. Total 5991 pregnant mothers with eclampsia admitted in the inpatient department of the tertiary care teaching hospital were recruited for the study, irrespective of their previous antenatal check up history. Subjects with known seizure disorders were excluded from the study. The subjects were managed according to standard regimens (Menon, Ph-sodium, diazepam & magnesium sulphate) and results were documented in standardised format. Case fatality rate, mean induction delivery time & birth-weight, perinatal mortality rates were recorded. Study reveals that the incidence of eclampsia <20 years was 6.97% and majority (5.41%) came from rural areas. Eclampsia was noted primarily in primigravida (7.43%) and unbooked (6.41%) mothers. Ante partum eclampsia predominated (64%) and incidence of caesarean section was 22.25%.The overall case fatality rate was 6.05% and eclampsia contributed 27.85% of all maternal deaths during the last two years of the study period. The overall incidence of low birth weight baby was 26.96% and perinatal mortality was 30.33% (1411/4651).The incidence of perinatal mortality and low birth weight babies are lower in the last 4 years when compared to earlier studies. Proper socio-demographic assessment of pregnancy with eclampsia, planned delivery, shorter induction delivery interval, good control of convulsion by magnesium sulphate, intensive intranatal monitoring causes less maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i2.8437 BMRCB 2011; 37(2): 66-70
Status and prospect of Community Clinic in rural areas of Bangladesh: An overview of health workers
Authors: Millat MH , Jahan MU , Hasan M , Alam K , Hossain MM , Miah MS
Published: August 2011

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v37i2.8439 BMRCB 2011; 37(2): 76-77
Detecting Rejection after Mouse Islet Transplantation Utilizing Islet Protein-Stimulated ELISPOT
Authors: Toso Christian , Pawlick Rena , Lacotte Stéphanie , Edgar Ryan , Davis Joy , McCall Michael , Morel Philippe , Mentha Gilles , Berney Thierry , Shapiro A. M. James
Published: August 2011

Improved posttransplant monitoring and on-time detection of rejection could improve islet transplantation outcome. The present study explored the possibility of detecting harmful events after mouse islet transplantation measuring the immune responsiveness against islet extracts. Mouse islet transplantations were performed using various donor/recipient combinations, exploring autoimmune (NOD/SCID to NOD, n = 6) and alloimmune events (C57BL/6 to BALB/c, n = 20), a combination of both (C57BL/6 to NOD, n = 8), the absence of both (BALB/c to BALB/c, n = 21), or naive, nontransplanted control mice ( n = 14). The immune reactivity was measured by ELISPOT, looking at the ex vivo release of IFN-γ from splenocytes stimulated by islet donor extracts (sonicated islets). The immune reactivity was not altered in the syngeneic and autoimmune models, demonstrating similar levels as nontransplanted controls ( p = 0.46 and p = 0.6). Conversely, the occurrence of an allogeneic rejection alone or in combination to autoimmunity was associated to an increase in the level of immune reactivity ( p = 0.023 and p = 0.003 vs. respective controls). The observed increase was transient and lost in the postrejection period or after treatment with CTLA4-Ig. Overall, allogeneic rejection was associated to a transient increase in the reactivity of splenocytes against islet proteins. Such a strategy has the potential to improve islet graft monitoring in human and should be further explored.
Collagen IV Significantly Enhances Migration and Transplantation of Embryonic Stem Cells: Involvement of α2β1 Integrin-Mediated Actin Remodeling
Authors: Li Hsin-Yang , Liao Chen-Yi , Lee Kun-Hsiung , Chang Hung-Chi , Chen Yi-Jen , Chao Kuan-Chong , Chang Sheng-Ping , Cheng Hsin-Yi , Chang Chia-Ming , Chang Yuh-Lih , Hung Shih-Chieh , Sung Yen-Jen , Chiou Shih-Hwa
Published: August 2011

Embryonic stem (ES) cell transplantation represents a potential means for the treatment of degenerative diseases and injuries. As appropriate distribution of transplanted ES cells in the host tissue is critical for successful transplantation, the exploration of efficient strategies to enhance ES cell migration is warranted. In this study we investigated ES cell migration under the influence of various extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, which have been shown to stimulate cell migration in various cell models with unclear effects on ES cells. Using two mouse ES (mES) cell lines, ESC 26GJ9012-8-2 and ES-D3 GL, to generate embryoid bodies (EBs), we examined the migration of differentiating cells from EBs that were delivered onto culture surfaces coated with or without collagen I, collagen IV, Matrigel, fibronectin, and laminin. Among these ECM proteins, collagen IV exhibited maximal migration enhancing effect. mES cells expressed α2 and β1 integrin subunits and the migration enhancing effect of collagen IV was prevented by RGD peptides as well as antibodies against α2 and β1 integrins, indicating that the enhancing effect of collagen IV on cell migration was mediated by α2β1 integrin. Furthermore, staining of actin cytoskeleton that links to integrins revealed well-developed stress fibers and long filopodia in mES cells cultured on collagen IV, and the actin-disrupting cytochalasin D abolished the collagen IV-enhanced cell migration. In addition, pretreatment of undifferentiated or differentiated mES cells with collagen IV resulted in improved engraftment and growth after transplantation into the subcutaneous tissue of nude mice. Finally, collagen IV pretreatment of osteogenically differentiated mES cells increased osteogenic differentiation-like tissue and decreased undifferentiation-like tissue in the grafts grown after transplantation. Our results demonstrated that collagen IV significantly enhanced the migration of differentiating ES cells through α2β1 integrin-mediated actin remodeling and could promote ES cell transplantation efficiency, which may be imperative to stem cell therapy.
Scaling up of continuous-flow, microwave-assisted, organic reactions by varying the size of Pd-functionalized catalytic monoliths
Authors: He Ping , Haswell Stephen J , Fletcher Paul D I , Kelly Stephen M , Mansfield Andrew
Published: August 2011

A product-scalable, catalytically mediated flow system has been developed to perform Suzuki–Miyaura reactions under a microwave heating regime, in which the volumetric throughput of a Pd-supported silica monolith can be used to increase the quantity of the product without changing the optimal operating conditions. Two silica monoliths (both 3 cm long), with comparable pore diameters and surface areas, were fabricated with diameters of 3.2 and 6.4 mm to give volumetric capacities of 0.205 and 0.790 mL, respectively. The two monoliths were functionalized with a loading of 4.5 wt % Pd and then sealed in heat-shrinkable Teflon® tubing to form a monolithic flow reactor. The Pd-supported silica monolith flow reactor was then placed into the microwave cavity and connected to an HPLC pump and a backpressure regulator to minimize the formation of gas bubbles. The flow rate and microwave power were varied to optimize the reactant contact time and temperature, respectively. Under optimal reaction conditions the quantity of product could be increased from 31 mg per hour to 340 mg per hour simply by changing the volumetric capacity of the monolith.
Use of Middle Ear Immittance Testing in the Evaluation of Patulous Eustachian Tube
Authors: McGrath Andrew P. , Michaelides Elias M.
Published: August 2011

Background: Patulous Eustachian tube is the uncommon condition of a persistently open Eustachian tube, which causes the disturbing symptoms of autophony and respiratory-synchronous tinnitus. We review this condition and propose a specific evaluation protocol that can be performed
quickly and easily using standard audiologic test equipment. We have used this protocol in the evaluation of a number of patients and will discuss our findings. Purpose: To establish a standardized protocol for the audiologic evaluation of patulous Eustachian tube using a standard clinical
tympanometer and to establish norms with respect to tympanic membrane movement during breathing tasks. Research Design: Quantitative analysis of test results obtained during clinical evaluation of patients referred for suspected patulous Eustachian tube during 2008 and 2009. Study
Sample: The cohort was 35 individuals including 25 patients referred for suspected patulous Eustachian tube and 10 control (normal) patients. Of the total group, 25 individuals were female, 10 were male, and the overall age range was 8 yr to 82 yr. Data Collection and Analysis:
Patients underwent audiologic and otologic testing including quantitative measurement of middle ear compliance during breathing and nasal endoscopy. Two tympanometers were used to assess middle ear compliance: the Grason-Stadler Instruments Model 33 and Tympstar. Endoscopy was performed using
either a Storz Endoskope Xenon Nova 175 or a Pentax EPM 1000. Results of middle ear immittance tests performed during breathing tasks were compared with results of endoscopy as well as the impressions of the examining physician. Magnitude of middle ear compliance was examined for mean and
standard deviation, and the control/normal group results were compared with those of individuals complaining of symptoms suggestive of patulous Eustachian tube. Results: We found that slightly greater than 75% of individual ears with patulous Eustachian tube exhibited middle ear compliance
greater than 0.07 ml during breathing tasks. All ears with patulous Eustachian tube exhibited a respiratory-synchronous compliance pattern during breathing tasks. Of individual ears without patulous Eustachian tube, 97% exhibited middle ear compliance during breathing of less than 0.07 ml
with no respiratory-synchronous pattern. Conclusions: Measurement of middle ear compliance during breathing appears to be a sensitive and specific tool in the examination of patulous Eustachian tube, particularly when both the magnitude of compliance and the pattern of compliance are
considered.
Effects of Coarticulation, Prosody, and Noise Freshness on the Intelligibility of Digit Triplets in Noise
Authors: Lyzenga Johannes , Smits Cas
Published: August 2011

Background:In a number of European countries, a functional self-test to screen for hearing impairment is available via telephone and the Internet. The tests estimate speech-reception thresholds using an adaptive procedure in which digit triplets are presented at varying signal-to-noise
ratios. In different languages, the stimuli were created either with or without coarticulation; and some implementations use fresh noise samples, while others do not.Purpose:The present investigation concerns the influence of coarticulation, prosody, and noise freshness on measured
thresholds.Study Sample:We performed a laboratory study using 12 normal-hearing listeners.Research Design:In a blocked design we compared speech-reception thresholds for conditions with and without fresh noise tokens. In each block we used three types of triplets: with coarticulation
and prosody, with neither, and without coarticulation but with prosody.Data Collection and Analysis:Thirty-six thresholds were recorded per subject, and they were analyzed using analyses of variance.Results:The results showed no significant differences among the three triplet
conditions. The freshness of the noise did not affect thresholds when, at least, a fresh noise token was used per threshold estimate (23 presentations). Scores dropped significantly when a whole experimental block was performed with a single noise token.
Nucleotide Prodrugs for HCV Therapy
Authors: Sofia Michael J
Published: August 2011

HCV infection is a significant worldwide health problem and is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. The current standard of care, interferon and ribavirin, is only effective against a proportion of the patient population infected with HCV. To address the shortcomings of existing therapy, the development of direct acting antiviral agents is under investigation. The HCV RNA dependent RNA polymerase is an essential enzyme for viral replication and is therefore a logical target against which to develop novel anti-HCV agents. Nucleosides have been shown to be effective as antiviral agents for other viral diseases and therefore, have been investigated as inhibitors of HCV replication. The development of prodrugs of nucleoside 5′-monophosphates has been pursued to address limitations associated with poor nucleoside phosphorylation. This is required to produce the nucleoside 5′-triphosphate which is the anabolite that is the actual inhibitor of the polymerase enzyme. Prodrugs of nucleoside 5′-monophosphates have been developed that enable their delivery into cells and in vivo into the liver. The implementation of these prodrug strategies has ultimately led to the identification of several prodrugs of nucleoside 5′-monophosphates that are potent inhibitors of HCV replication in vitro. They have progressed into the clinic and the early data demonstrate greatly reduced viral load levels in HCV-infected patients. This review will survey the state of nucleotide prodrugs for the treatment of HCV.
A comparative study of qualitative immunochemical screening assays for the combined measurement of T-2/HT-2 in cereals and cereal-based products
Authors: Meneely J. , Ricci F. , Vesco S. , Abouzied M. , Sulyok M. , Krska R. , Elliott C.
Published: August 2011

Many different immunochemical platforms exist for the screening of naturally occurring contaminants in food from
the low cost enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) to the expensive instruments such as optical biosensors
based on the phenomenon of surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and
compare a number of these platforms to assess their accuracy and precision when applied to naturally contaminated
samples containing HT-2/T-2 mycotoxins. Other important factors considered were the speed of analysis, ease
of use (sample preparation techniques and use of the equipment) and ultimately the cost implications. The three
screening procedures compared included an SPR biosensor assay, a commercially available ELISA and an enzymelinked
immunomagnetic electrochemical array (ELIME array). The qualitative data for all methods demonstrated
very good overall agreements with each other, however on comparison with mass spectrometry confirmatory
results, the ELISA and SPR assay performed slightly better than the ELIME array, exhibiting an overall agreement
of 95.8% compared to 91.7%. Currently, SPR is more costly than the other two platforms and can only be used in
the laboratory whereas in theory both the ELISA and ELIME array are portable and can be used in the field, but
ultimately this is dependent on the sample preparation techniques employed. Sample preparative techniques varied
for all methods evaluated, the ELISA was the most simple to perform followed by that of the SPR method. The
ELIME array involved an additional clean-up step thereby increasing both the time and cost of analysis. Therefore
in the current format, field use would not be an option for the ELIME array. In relation to speed of analysis, the
ELISA outperformed the other methods.
Expression of the Leptin Receptor outside of Bone Marrow-Derived Cells Regulates Tuberculosis Control and Lung Macrophage MHC Expression
Authors: Lemos Maria P. , Rhee Kyu Y. , McKinney John D.
Published: August 2011

Leptin is a pleiotropic hormone proposed to link nutritional status to the development of strong Th1 immunity. Because Mycobacterium tuberculosis control is affected by starvation and diabetes, we studied the role of the leptin receptor in regulating distinct immune cells during chronic infection. Infected db/db mice, bearing a natural mutation in the leptin receptor, have a markedly increased bacterial load in their lungs when compared with that of their wild-type counterparts. In response to M. tuberculosis infection, db/db mice exhibited disorganized granulomas, neutrophilia, and reduced B cell migration to the lungs, correlating with dysfunctional lung chemokine responses that include XCL1, CCL2, CXCL1, CXCL2, and CXCL13. In a db/db lung, myeloid cells were delayed in their production of inducible NO synthase and had reduced expression of MHC I and II. Although the Th1 cell response developed normally in the absence of leptin signaling, production of pulmonary IFN-γ was delayed and ineffective. Surprisingly, a proper immune response took place in bone marrow (BM) chimeras lacking leptin receptor exclusively in BM-derived cells, indicating that leptin acts indirectly on immune cells to modulate the antituberculosis response and bacterial control. Together, these findings suggest that the pulmonary response to M. tuberculosis is affected by the host’s nutritional status via the regulation of non-BM-derived cells, not through direct action of leptin on Th1 immunity.