bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride administered via caudal epidural injection in healthy adult cattle
Authors: Baniadam Ali , Afshar Fereidoon Saberi , Ahmadian Fakhredin
Published: July 2010

Objective—To evaluate the extent and duration of analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride administered epidurally in standing healthy adult cattle.

Animals—5 mixed-breed adult female cattle.

Procedures—1, 2, or 3 mg of tramadol/kg was injected into the first intercoccygeal space of each cow in random order at 1-week intervals. Analgesia, sedation, and ataxia were scored on scales of 0 (no effect) to 3 (complete analgesia or extreme sedation or ataxia) at 5-minute intervals beginning 5 minutes prior to injection and ending 120 minutes after injection. Analgesia was evaluated on the basis of response to pinprick stimuli over 9 caudal regions. Heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, and rumen motility were assessed 5 minutes before and at predetermined intervals for 120 minutes after tramadol injection.

Results—Analgesia induced via tramadol administration was dose dependent (eg, mean duration of complete analgesia at the perineum was 18 minutes when cows received the 1 mg/kg dose, 60 minutes when cows received the 2 mg/kg dose, and 92 minutes when cows received the 3 mg/kg dose). Slight to mild sedation and ataxia were observed when cows received 2 or 3 mg of tramadol/kg. No significant tramadol-associated changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, rectal temperature, or rumen motility were detected.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Caudal epidural tramadol administration induced analgesia with slight to mild sedation and ataxia in cows. Analgesia in affected regions after administration of 2 or 3 mg of tramadol/kg was considered sufficient to allow common surgical procedures to be performed in standing cattle.
Radiographic evaluation of the classification of the extent of tooth resorption in dogs
Authors: Peralta Santiago , Verstraete Frank J. M. , Kass Philip H.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine applicability of the 2007 American Veterinary Dental College (AVDC) classification method for determining extent of tooth resorption in dogs.

Animals—224 dogs > 1 year old admitted for periodontal treatment or other dental procedures in 2007.

Procedures—Full-mouth radiographs of all dogs were reviewed for evidence of tooth resorption. Tooth resorption in dogs was classified in accordance with the radiographic criteria described for use in human teeth and, when applicable, the guidelines described in the 2007 AVDC classification method.

Results—851 of 943 (90.2%) affected teeth met the radiographic characteristics of 1 of the 5 stages of tooth resorption described by the AVDC classification method. Among tooth resorption types described for human teeth, the AVDC classification method was totally applicable (100%) in 17 teeth with external surface resorption, 21 teeth with external replacement resorption, and 736 teeth with external cervical root surface resorption, but it was applicable in only 56 of 121 (46.3%) teeth with external inflammatory resorption and none of the teeth with internal resorption.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The AVDC classification method was useful to describe the extent of tooth resorption in dogs, but it did not reflect the radiographic patterns and location of lesions. The AVDC classification method was applicable in some, but not all, of the teeth with various resorption types in dogs. The AVDC classification method could be adapted best to lesions that have radiographic patterns of external replacement resorption and external cervical root surface resorption.
Use of an activity monitor to detect response to treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis
Authors: Brown Dorothy Cimino , Boston Raymond C. , Farrar John T.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine whether an activity monitor (AM) could be used to detect changes in activity in dogs with osteoarthritis treated with carprofen or a placebo.

Design—Randomized controlled trial.

Animals—70 dogs with no clinically important abnormalities other than osteoarthritis for which they were not currently being treated.

Procedures—Dogs wore an AM continuously for 21 days. On days 8 through 21, the dogs were treated with carprofen (n = 35) or a placebo (35). Total activity counts for days 1 through 7 (baseline) were compared with total activity counts for days 15 through 21 (endpoint). The change in total activity count from baseline to endpoint was assessed within each treatment group as well as between groups. Linear regression analysis was performed to test for an association between treatment and percentage change in activity counts while controlling for other variables.

Results—For placebo-treated dogs, median baseline total activity count was not significantly different from median endpoint total activity count (1,378,408 vs 1,310,112, respectively). For dogs receiving carprofen, there was a significant increase in median activity count from baseline to endpoint (1,276,427 vs 1,374,133). When age and baseline activity counts were controlled for, dogs in the carpofen-treated group had a 20% increase in activity counts, compared with placebo-treated dogs (95% confidence interval, 10% to 26%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that the AM used in the present study may be a valid outcome assessment tool for documenting improved activity associated with treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Serologic prevalence of antibodies against canine influenza virus (H3N8) in dogs in a metropolitan animal shelter
Authors: Holt David E. , Mover Michael R. , Brown Dorothy Cimino
Published: July 2010

Objective—To determine the prevalence of exposure to canine influenza virus (CIV) in dogs in a metropolitan animal shelter.

Design—Serologic survey.

Animals—74 dogs.

Procedures—Dogs were randomly selected from the canine shelter population. A physical examination was performed, and blood samples were obtained and submitted for serologic testing for the detection of antibodies against CIV. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association of factors (body condition score, nasal discharge, coughing, rectal temperature, number of days in the shelter, and relinquished vs stray) with positive results.

Results—31 of 74 (42%) dogs were seropositive for antibodies against CIV. Positive serologic test results were detected for 6 of 39 (15%) dogs housed in the shelter for ≤ 7 days and for 25 of 35 (71%) dogs housed in the shelter for ≥ 8 days. Number of days in the shelter was the only factor significantly associated with positive serologic test results. For every 3 days in the shelter, the odds of a positive serologic test result increased significantly by 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 3.4).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Analysis of the results suggested that more dogs were exposed to CIV in the shelter than were exposed in the urban environment. This has serious implications for design and management of animal shelters.
Perceptions regarding workplace hazards at a veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Weaver Dustin R. , Newman Lee S. , Lezotte Dennis C. , Morley Paul S.
Published: July 2010

Objective—To assess perceptions of personnel working at a veterinary teaching hospital regarding risks of occupational hazards and compare those perceptions with assessments made by occupational safety experts.

Design—Cross-sectional study.

Study Population—A representative sample of personnel (n = 90) working at the veterinary teaching hospital at Colorado State University and a panel of 3 occupational safety experts.

Procedures—Hospital personnel ranked perceptions of 14 physical, chemical, and biological workplace hazards and listed the injuries, illnesses, and near misses they had experienced. The expert panel provided consensus rankings of the same 14 hazards for 9 sections of the facility. Risk perceptions provided by the 2 sources were compared.

Results—Risk perceptions did not differ significantly between hospital personnel and the expert panel for most of the site-specific comparisons (94/126 [75%]). Personnel perceived greater risks for some physical hazards (loud noises, sharps injuries, and ionizing radiation) and some chemical or materials exposures (insecticides or pesticides and tissue digester emissions). In contrast, the expert panel perceived greater risks for physical hazards (bite or crush and restraining and moving animals), chemical exposures (anesthetic waste gas), and biological exposures (Toxoplasma gondii, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, and allergens).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Participants and safety experts had similar perceptions about occupational risks, but there were important differences where hospital personnel apparently overestimated or underappreciated the risks for workplace hazards. This type of study may be useful in guiding development of optimal workplace safety programs for veterinary hospitals.
Conductometric studies on the stability of copper complexes with different oligosaccharides
Authors: Savic Ivan , Nikolic Goran , Savic Ivana , Cakic Milorad
Published: July 2010

Bioactive copper complexes with pullulan or dextran oligosaccharides are the subject of intensive research mainly because of their possible application in veterinary and human medicine. The thermal stability and stability under oxidative conditions of the Cu(II) complexes with reduced low-molar pullulan or dextran were investigated in this paper, using a conductometric method. The influence of ligand constitutions on the stability of the complexes was examined on the basis of ligand property. Forced degradation studies were performed on bulk sample of complexes by using heat (25, 40 and 60°C) and an oxidation agent (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 and 10.0% v/v hydrogen peroxide). It can be concluded, according to the results obtained (by examining conductivity during the forced degradation studies), that Cu(II) complexes show a large pharmaceutical stability for both tests.
Ab initio study of hydrogen bond complexes of ring compounds containing the H2N-C=Y moiety with water
Authors: Liu Tao , Liu Guo-Dong , Yu Zhang-Yu
Published: July 2010

Ab initio calculations, including natural charge population and natural resonance theory analyses, have been carried out to study the two-way effects between hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) and the intramolecular resonance effect by using the H-bonded complexes of ring compounds containing the H2N-C=Y moiety (C=Y bond is contained in the six-membered or five-membered rings) with water as models. The amino groups in the four monomers of ring compounds (FAYs, Y represents the heavy atoms in the substituent groups, =CH, =N, =SiH, and =P, respectively) can all serve as H-bond donors (HD) and H-bond acceptors (HA) to form stable H-bonded complexes with water. The HD H-bond and resonance effect enhance each other (positive two-way effects) whereas the HA H-bond and resonance effect weaken each other (negative two-way effects). The resonance effect in FAY(1) (C=Y bond is contained in the six-membered rings) is weaker than that in formamide, and those in FAY(2) and FAY(3) (C=Y bonds are contained in the five-membered rings). The two-way effects between H-bond and resonance effect exist in the H-bonded complexes of ring compounds containing the H2N-C=Y moiety with water.
The Law of Peoples and Global Justice: Beyond the Liberal Nationalism of John Rawls
Authors: Hrubec Marek
Published: June 2010

The Law of Peoples and Global Justice: Beyond the Liberal Nationalism of John Rawls

The paper deals with the relation of a theory of international justice, specifically John Rawls's philosophy of the law of peoples, and a theory of global justice. In the first part, the paper outlines Rawls's main theses on the international conception of the law of peoples. The second part concerns a problem found in segments of Rawls's theory, specifically his concept of a social contract—contractualism. This problem inadequately approaches the relationship between the individual and the community. The third part deals with the inconsistent points in Rawls's theory contained in part two, i.e. his principles of justice selected with the aid of social contract. In the fourth part, the paper concentrates on the consequences of these limitations for a socially distributive dimension of justice or as an approach for dealing with disproportionate global inequalities. The last part formulates the causes of the limitations of Rawls's theory of international justice and points out the need for a global justice which is socially and inter-culturally considerate.
Mechanical Responses of the Human Triceps Surae after Passive "Stretching" Training of the Plantarflexors in Conditions Modulating Weightlessness
Authors: Koryak Yuri
Published: June 2010

Mechanical Responses of the Human Triceps Surae after Passive "Stretching" Training of the Plantarflexors in Conditions Modulating Weightlessness

The effect of a 60-day 6° head-down tilt of bed rest with and without prolonged passive muscle "stretching" training on the mechanical properties of the human triceps surae muscle was studied in 13 healthy male subjects. One group (n = 6; mean age 30.8 ± 3.1 years) underwent a 60-day head-down tilt, and a second group (n = 7; mean age 30.4 ± 1.2 years) underwent head-down tilt with prolonged passive muscle stretching. Head-down tilt without prolonged passive muscle "stretching" training showed maximal voluntary contraction declined by 34 % (p < 0.05) and the electrically evoked tetanic tension at 150 impulses·s-1 and isometric twitch contraction reduced by 17 % (p < 0.02) and 18 % (p < 0.05), respectively. Time-to-peak tension, and half-relaxation time of the twitch slightly decreased by 3% (p > 0.05), and 7 %, respectively, but total contraction time slightly increased. The difference between electrically evoked tetanic tension and the maximal voluntary contraction expressed as a percentage of electrically evoked tetanic tension (referred to as force deficiency), has also been calculated. The force deficiency increased by 61 % (p < 0.001). After head-down tilt with prolonged passive muscle "stretching" training, the time-to-peak tension did not change, and half-relaxation time of the twitch decreased. In addition, there was a 14 % lengthening in the total duration of the twitch. The results of prolonged passive muscle "stretching" training demonstrated a clear deterioration of voluntarily and electrically induced muscle contractions. Passive "stretching" training caused a decrease by 29 % (p < 0.05) in the maximal voluntary contraction. The isometric twitch contraction, and electrically evoked tetanic tension both showed reductions by 17 %, and by 19 % (p < 0.05), respectively. The force deficiency decreased significantly by 21 % (p < 0.02). The rate of rise of electrically evoked tetanic tension and feature of voluntary contractions significantly reduced during head-down tilt with prolonged passive muscle "stretching" training. These basic experimental findings concluded that prolonged passive "stretching" training of a single muscle did not prevent a reserve of neuromuscular function.
The Influence of Built Environment on Walkability Using Geographic Information System
Authors: Dygryn Jan , Mitas Josef , Stelzer Jiri
Published: June 2010

The Influence of Built Environment on Walkability Using Geographic Information System

The main goal of this study was to analyze the residential environment (built environment), by exploring the relationship between neighborhood walkability characteristics using Geographic Information System (GIS) and level of physical activity (PA). A randomly selected sample of 135 adults from Olomouc, Czech Republic was divided into low and high walkability neighborhoods based on the walkability index (calculated using GIS). The average daily number of steps (using Yamax SW-700 pedometer) between the groups also was measured. Result showed that participants living in the high walkable areas took more steps a day than participant in the low walkable areas. Furthermore, the mean body mass index (BMI) level was inversely correlated with the number of steps on weekdays and during the whole week. On weekend days it was still inversed throughout with the number of steps; taken but the but the relationship was not statistically significant.
Factors influencing the performance of young football players in the yo-yo intermittent endurance test (Level 2)
Authors: Brito João , Fernandes Luís , Seabra André , Rebelo António
Published: July 2010

Factors influencing the performance of young football players in the yo-yo intermittent endurance test (Level 2)

Study aim: To find out whether the ability to accelerate, decelerate and turn may contribute to the performance of young football players during the Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test - Level 2 (YYIEL2).

Material and methods: A group of 239 young male football players from three age categories: under 15 years (U15; n = 102), under 17 years (U17; n = 59) and under 19 years (U19; n = 74) were evaluated in sprint, agility, and intermittent exercise performance. Multiple regression models weighted for maturity status were applied.

Results: Significant (p<0.001) differences were found between the U15 and both other groups in all tests. The YYIEL2 was significantly correlated with 5-m and 30-m sprints and agility (r = 0.361, 0.499 and 0.555, respectively; p<0.001) and the latter 3 variables explained 31% (p<0.001) of the total variance of the YYIEL2 performance, the agility test alone being the strongest predictor (b = 0.56; p<0.001).

Conclusions: Despite the usefulness of the YYIEL2 test used in football to determine aerobic fitness, other factors than O2max, such as peripheral limitations and the ability to accelerate, decelerate and turn, may influence the performance during the test.
Tourism as a development factor in the light of regional development theories
Authors: Butowski Leszek
Published: July 2010

The article concerns theoretical positions on the influence of tourism on regional and local development. The adaptation possibilities of chosen regional development theories for the research needs of the tourism influence on regional development are presented. Four groups were analysed: 1) endogenous development theories 2) network development theories 3) economic base theories 4) polarisation theories. Using works based on these there has been an attempt to indicate the theoretical basis of tourism growth as a factor of regional development.
Memorial plaques and monuments in Łódź-Śródmieście (the city centre district) commemorating people and events from the history of the city
Authors: Kazimierczak Jarosław
Published: July 2010

The aim of this article is a classification of monuments and memorial plaques located in the area of Łódź-Śródmieście (the city centre district) in terms of their tourism value. The author, based on research and analysis, estimates their value as present or potential sites of interest for tourists visiting Łódź and their possible use for tourism aims.
Paget's disease of the vulva: evaluation of recurrence relative to symptom duration, volumetric excision of lesion, and surgical margin status
Authors: ROH HYUN‐JIN , KIM DAE‐YEON , KIM JONG‐HYEOK , KIM YONG‐MAN , KIM YOUNG‐TAK , NAM JOO‐HYUN
Published: June 2010

We analyzed recurrences with regard to symptom duration, volumetric excision, and surgical margin in 11 women with Paget's disease of the vulva. Data concerning demographics, surgical margin, and current state were collected. In addition, the three‐dimensional excisional skin and lesion size was determined from surgical and pathology reports. Recurrence was observed in 6 women where the symptom duration was longer than in those without recurrence (33 vs. 11 months, p < 0.02). During the initial operation, the fraction of removed normal skin was 85.3% in all the women, and 79.8% (range 67–97%) in those with recurrence and 92.0% (range 86–96%) in those without (p < 0.04). Of 11 women, 8 had positive margins of whom 4 developed recurrence and 4 did not. Of the 3 patients with negative margins, 2 experienced recurrence but the third did not (p = 0.58). Recurrence was not associated with positive margins, but correlated with symptom duration and volumetric excision.
Comparison of single and multiple dose methotrexate therapy for unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy: a prospective randomized study
Authors: GUVENDAG GUVEN EMINE SEDA , DILBAZ SERDAR , DILBAZ BERNA , AYKAN YILDIRIM BURCU , AKDAG DERYA , HABERAL ALI
Published: June 2010

Objective. To compare the success rates of single and multiple dose methotrexate protocols for the treatment of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Design. Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting. Maternity and teaching hospital in Turkey. Population. One hundred twenty women treated with methotrexate therapy for unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Methods. Sixty‐two women received a single dose and 58 received a multiple dose methotrexate regimen. Main outcome measures. Success rate of methotrexate therapy (women successfully treated with one injection and women who completed four doses). Results. In the single dose group, treatment was considered successful in 50 women (80.6%), whereas in the multiple dose group, 52 women (89.7%) responded to treatment (p = 0.21; OR 0.90, 95%CI 0.77–1.05). The average number of days required for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels to fall below 5 mU/mL was longer in the single dose (22.3 ± 7.6) compared with the multiple dose group (18.3 ± 10.7) (p = 0.03). In the single dose group fewer or 17 women (24.7%) experienced side‐effects compared to 28 (48.3%) of those who had multiple doses (p = 0.02, OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.35–0.92). Conclusion. A multiple dose methotrexate regimen for the treatment of unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy is not more effective than a single dose one. In addition, multiple doses may cause more side‐effects, but the time for hCG levels to fall below 5 mU/mL is shorter.
Effects of Injection Molding Holding Pressure on the Replication of Surface Microfeatures
Authors: Tofteberg T. R. , Amédro H. , Grytten F. , Andreassen E.
Published: June 2010

The injection molding of an optical grating was studied using two different polycarbonates. The grating had period 10 μm and peak-to-valley distance ∼1 μm. Parts were molded using different holding pressures and mold temperatures. After production, the parts were annealed at 100°C. The replication was investigated using white light interferometry (WLI) before and after annealing. WLI was performed using high definition vertical-scanning interferometry (HDVSI) to resolve the details of the molded gratings with a noise level below 2 nm.

It was observed that increasing the holding pressure could have either a positive or a negative effect on the replication. When the microfeatures were not fully filled, an increased holding pressure improved the definition of the features. However, for both polymers, it was observed that the replication as a function of holding pressure started to drop when the holding pressure was increased above an optimal value. This could be due to an elastic recoil occurring after releasing the holding pressure.

The peak-to-valley distance of the grating was reduced after annealing. This effect was larger for parts molded using a low mold temperature. This is probably due to a higher cooling rate giving higher internal stresses, which will relax during annealing.
Flight from Risk: Unified Germany and the Role of Beliefs in the European Response to the Financial Crisis
Authors: Newman Abraham L.
Published: June 2010

Since the end of World War II, scholars have attempted to make sense of Germany's insistent multilateralism. Many concluded that this sacrifice resulted from a deeply ingrained political identity that stressed international cooperation and shunned parochial national politics. More recently, however, German leadership has suggested a willingness to weaken its role as global altruist and reassert its interests in Europe and abroad. This article argues that core German attitudes towards regional and global cooperation have changed. But rather than a shift to "national self-interests," I argue that the unification process elevated long-held beliefs about policy conservatism and caution that now compete with the postwar multilateral policy frame within the foreign policy elite. In addition to the pro-European, multilateralist agenda, a second powerful lesson of the interwar period emphasized the dangers associated with sudden change and the benefits of incrementalism. Owing to the uncertainty associated with sociopolitical events, decision makers must rely on their beliefs about how the world works to guide their decisions. To explore the relationship between beliefs and Germany's regional policy, the paper examines the government's regional response to the post 2008 financial crisis and the banking crisis in Eastern Europe.
Management of recurrent adult tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Shih Patrick , Halpin Ryan J. , Ganju Aruna , Liu John C. , Koski Tyler R.
Published: July 2010

Recurrent tethered cord syndrome (TCS) can lead to significant progressive disability in adults. The diagnosis of TCS is made with a high degree of clinical suspicion. In the adult population, many patients receive inadequate care unless they are seen at a multidisciplinary clinic. Successful detethering procedures require careful intradural dissection and meticulous wound and dural closure. With multiple revision procedures, vertebral column shortening has become an appropriate alternative to surgical detethering.
Spinal cord traction, vascular compromise, hypoxia, and metabolic derangements in the pathophysiology of tethered cord syndrome
Authors: Filippidis Aristotelis S. , Kalani M. Yashar , Theodore Nicholas , Rekate Harold L.
Published: July 2010

Object

The definition of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) relies mainly on radiological criteria and clinical picture. The presence of a thickened filum terminale and a low-lying conus medullaris in symptomatic patients is indicative of TCS. The radiological definition of TCS does not take into account cases that involve a normal-lying conus medullaris exhibiting symptoms of the disease.

Methods

The authors performed a MEDLINE search using the terms “tethered cord” and “pathophysiology.” The search returned a total of 134 studies. The studies were further filtered to identify mostly basic research studies in animal models or studies related to the biomechanics of the filum terminale and spinal cord.

Results

Spinal cord traction and the loss of filum terminale elasticity are the triggers that start a cascade of events occurring at the metabolic and vascular levels leading to symptoms of the disease. Traction on the caudal cord results in decreased blood flow causing metabolic derangements that culminate in motor, sensory, and urinary neurological deficits. The untethering operation restores blood flow and reverses the clinical picture in most symptomatic cases.

Conclusions

Although classically defined as a disease of a low-lying conus medullaris, the pathophysiology of TCS is much more complex and is dependent on a structural abnormality, with concomitant altered metabolic and vascular sequelae. Given the complex mechanisms underlying TCS, it is not surprising that the radiological criteria do not adequately address all presentations of the disease.
Neuroblastoma-like schwannoma of lumbar spinal nerve root
Authors: Sharma Giriraj K. , Eschbacher Jennifer M. , Uschold Timothy D. , Theodore Nicholas
Published: July 2010

Neuroblastoma-like schwannoma is a rare nerve sheath tumor with histological features resembling a neuroblastoma. A comprehensive literature review identified only 10 previous case reports of this condition. The authors present the first reported case of a neuroblastoma-like schwannoma at a spinal nerve root. The patient, a 61-year-old woman, presented with severe pain in the right lower extremity that failed to resolve after conservative management. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural enhancing lesion extending out of the right neural foramen at L1–2. A right L1–2 hemilaminectomy and facetectomy with gross-total resection of the tumor was performed without complications. Neuroblastoma-like schwannoma was diagnosed based on histopathological examination of the biopsied tumor specimen. A postoperative course of serial examination and imaging was chosen based on a suspected benign postoperative course as in the case of a completely resected schwannoma. The authors present the novel case of neuroblastoma-like schwannoma at a lumbar spinal nerve root and describe the distinguishing pathological features of this rare lesion.
Health care burden of cervical spine fractures in the United States: analysis of a nationwide database over a 10-year period
Authors: Baaj Ali A. , Uribe Juan S. , Nichols Tann A. , Theodore Nicholas , Crawford Neil R. , Sonntag Volker K. H. , Vale Fernando L.
Published: July 2010

Object

The objective of this work was to search a national health care database of patients diagnosed with cervical spine fractures in the US to analyze discharge, demographic, and hospital charge trends over a 10-year period.

Methods

Clinical data were derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) for the years 1997 through 2006. The NIS is maintained by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and represents a 20% random stratified sample of all discharges from nonfederal hospitals within the US. Patients with cervical spine fractures with and without spinal cord injury (SCI) were identified using the appropriate ICD-9-CM codes. The volume of discharges, length of stay (LOS), hospital charges, total national charges, discharge pattern, age, and sex were analyzed. National estimates were calculated using the HCUPnet tool.

Results

Approximately 200,000 hospitalizations were identified. In the non-SCI group, there was a 74% increase in hospitalizations and charges between 1997 and 2006, but LOS changed minimally. There was no appreciable change in the rate of in-hospital mortality (< 3%), but discharges home with home health care and to skilled rehabilitation or nursing facilities increased slightly. In the SCI group, hospitalizations and charges increased by 29 and 38%, respectively. There were no significant changes in LOS or discharge status in this group. Spinal cord injury was associated with increases in LOS, charges, and adverse outcomes compared with fractures without SCI. Total national charges associated with both groups combined exceeded $1.3 billion US in 2006.

Conclusions

During the studied period, increases in hospitalizations and charges were observed in both the SCI and non-SCI groups. The percentage increase was higher in the non-SCI group. Although SCI was associated with higher adverse outcomes, there were no significant improvements in immediate discharge status in either group during the 10 years analyzed.
The role of lumboperitoneal shunts in the treatment of syringomyelia
Authors: Oluigbo Chima O. , Thacker Karen , Flint Graham
Published: July 2010

Object

The role of thecoperitoneal shunts in the management of syringomyelia is not well defined. In this study, the authors analyze the outcome of lumboperitoneal shunt procedures carried out to treat syringomyelia in their institution.

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 19 patients who underwent lumboperitoneal shunt procedures for syringomyelia.

Results

The mean follow-up duration was 25 months (range 3–51 months). Of 16 cases followed up, only 5 patients reported clinical improvement in their preoperative symptoms, but of these, 2 had clear radiological evidence of improvement. Three of 6 patients with syringomyelia due to spinal arachnoiditis improved.

Conclusions

Lumboperitoneal shunts may lead to useful improvement in the symptoms of a patient with syringomyelia while avoiding the risk of neurological deterioration inherent in myelotomies required for syrinx shunting procedures.
The micromorphological and anatomical properties of Onosma angustissimum Hausskn. & Bornm. and O. cassium Boiss. (Boraginaceae)
Authors: Akçin Öznur Ergen , Binzet Riza
Published: July 2010

The micromorphological and anatomical properties of Onosma angustissimum Hausskn. & Bornm. and O. cassium Boiss. were investigated. O. angustissimum is an endemic species. All examined taxa had secondary root structure. Crystals were seen in the stem and leaves of two species. Epidermal cells containing crystal needles were observed in O. cassium. Studied Onosma species had isobilateral type of leaves. Stomata were anisocytic and anomocytic. Glandular and eglandular trichomes especially porrect-stellate and simple trichomes were densely seen on the both upper and lower epidermis of leaves in two species. Stomata index was different in O. cassium from O. angustissimum.Keywords: Boraginaceae; Onosma; Morphology; Anatomy; LM; SEMDOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5386Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 1-8, 2010 (June)
Angiospermic flora of Runctia sal forest, Bangladesh. II. Magnoliopsida (Dicots)
Authors: Tutul Ershad , Uddin Md. Zashim , Rahman Md. Oliur , Hassan Md. Abul
Published: July 2010

This paper deals with a total of 153 plant species under 120 genera and 52 families of the division Magnoliopsida (Dicots) of the Runctia Sal forest in Sherpur district. Habit analysis shows that herbs are represented by 34, shrubs 36, trees 65, climbers 17 and epiphyte by a single species. Updated nomenclature, habit, habitat and representative specimen have been furnished under each taxon.Keywords: Angiosperms; Magnoliopsida; Runctia sal forest.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5389Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 33-53, 2010 (June)
Reproductive biology of three medicinal plants
Authors: Liza Shamim Ara , Rahman Md. Oliur , Uddin Md. Zashim , Hassan Md. Abul , Begum Momtaz
Published: July 2010

This paper presents the flower morphology, pollination mechanisms and seed germination of three indigenous medicinal plants of Bangladesh namely, Asclepias curassavica L., Clerodendrum viscosum Vent. and Scoparia dulcis L. The minimum days taken for seed germination in Asclepias curassavica, Clerodendrum viscosum and Scoparia dulcis are 6, 14 and 9, respectively. Epigeal type of seed germination has been noted in Asclepias curassavica and Scoparia dulcis, whereas hypogeal type of seed germination has been found in Clerodendrum viscosum. Fruit production is highest in Scoparia dulcis among the species studied and a maximum of 304 seeds are produced per fruit in it. Maximum 108 seeds are produced per fruit in Asclepias curassavica. Among the species investigated Asclepias curassavica and Clerodendrum viscosum are cross-pollinated, and Scoparia dulcis is self-pollinated. Butterflies, bees and ants are noted to be the pollinators in Asclepias curassavica and in Clerodendrum viscosum black ants, butterflies and long tongue hawk moths are the pollinators.Keywords: Taxonomy; pollination; seed germination; Asclepias curassavica L.; Clerodendrum viscosum Vent.; Scoparia dulcis L.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5391Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 69-78, 2010 (June)
Flowering and fruiting characteristics and biochemical composition of an endangered palm species (Corypha taliera Roxb.)
Authors: Khondker Moniruzzaman , Hassan Md. Abul , Alfasane Md. Almujaddade , Shahjadee Umma Fatema
Published: July 2010

Monitoring on the panicle initiation, flowering, fruiting and seedling characteristics of Corypha taliera has been carried out. Biochemical composition of fresh and dry flowers together with the pericarp of the fruits have been analysed. Fresh flowers, fruits, seeds, and pericarp and testa weighed 13.75 mg/flower, 19.46 g/fruit, 6.47 g/seed, 12.89 g/pericarp and testa, respectively. The length of fruits and seeds were c 3.34 cm and        c 2.33 cm, respectively while the breadth of the same were 3.14 cm and 1.94 cm, respectively.  The protein content of fresh flower and pericarp were 12.78 and 14.70%. High energy content 345.97 Kcal was recorded in the pericarp and testa of the fruit. The first sown seeds were germinated in latterite clay soil between January and February and took approximately 30-48 days. Keywords: Corypha taliera; biochemical composition; flowers; fruits;  pericarp. DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5393 Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 79-86, 2010 (June)
A comparison of pollen grains of Potentilla recta L. (Rosaceae) groups A, B & C in Turkey
Authors: Köksal Ela Ayse , Asci Baris , Pinar Nur Münevver
Published: July 2010

Not available.
New records of two hyphomycetous fungi Monodictys putredinis (Wallr.) Hughes and Stachybotrys atra Corda for Bangladesh
Authors: Shamsi Shamim , Sultana Razia
Published: July 2010

Not available.Keywords: Monodictys putredinis; new records; Stachybotrys atra.DOI: 10.3329/bjpt.v17i1.5397Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 17(1): 101-103, 2010 (June)
Memorials and Location: Local versus National Identity and the Scottish National War Memorial
Authors: Macleod Jenny
Published: June 2010

This article seeks to explore the controversy surrounding the Scottish National War Memorial. It analyses the arguments over the design of the memorial and its impact on Edinburgh Castle. The criticisms by Lord Rosebery and others of the design proposed by Robert Lorimer are dealt with in detail. The campaign by the Duke of Atholl to raise money for the memorial is scrutinised and the difficulties in securing donations at a time when there were many simultaneous attempts to raise money for local and institutional memorials is discussed. The article attempts to relate this material to the wider literature on war memorials in the period immediately following the First World War. The main theme of the article is to note the way in which the memorial at the Castle came to be accepted as a ‘national’ memorial and how this process relates to the formation and maintenance of Scottish national identity in the 1920s. As highlighted by comparison with the other national memorials, the Scottish National War Memorial ultimately serves to show the unity of the Scottish nation and the ongoing strength of its martial tradition, a means by which Scotland could express a distinctive identity whilst remaining securely within the United Kingdom.
Carijoside A, a Bioactive Sterol Glycoside from an Octocoral Carijoa sp. (Clavulariidae)
Authors: Liu Chih-Yang , Hwang Tsong-Long , Lin Mei-Ru , Chen Yung-Husan , Chang Yu-Chia , Fang Lee-Shing , Wang Wei-Hsien , Wu Yang-Chang , Sung Ping-Jyun
Published: June 2010

A new bioactive sterol glycoside, 3β-O-(3',4'-di-O-acetyl-β-D-arabinopyranosyl)-25ξ-cholestane-3β,5α,6β,26-tetrol-26-acetate) (carijoside A, 1), was isolated from an octocoral identified as Carijoa sp. The structure of glycoside 1 was established by spectroscopic methods and by comparison with spectral data for the other known glycosides. Carijoside A (1) displayed significant inhibitory effects on superoxide anion generation and elastase release by human neutrophils and this compound exhibited moderate cytotoxicity toward DLD-1, P388D1, HL-60, and CCRF-CEM tumor cells.
A High Sensitivity Micro Format Chemiluminescence Enzyme Inhibition Assay for Determination of Hg(II)
Authors: Deshpande Kanchanmala , Mishra Rupesh K. , Bhand Sunil
Published: June 2010

A highly sensitive and specific enzyme inhibition assay based on alcohol oxidase (AlOx) and horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for determination of mercury Hg(II) in water samples has been presented. This article describes the optimization and miniaturization of an enzymatic assay using a chemiluminescence reaction. The analytical performance and detection limit for determination of Hg(II) was optimized in 96 well plates and further extended to 384 well plates with a 10-fold reduction in assay volume. Inhibition of the enzyme activity by dissolved Hg(II) was found to be linear in the range 5–500 pg.mL−1 with 3% CVin inter-batch assay. Due to miniaturization of assay in 384 well plates, Hg(II) was measurable as low as 1 pg.mL−1 within15 min. About 10-fold more specificity of the developed assay for Hg(II) analysis was confirmed by challenging with interfering divalent metal ions such as cadmium Cd(II) and lead Pb(II). Using the proposed assay we could successfully demonstrate that in a composite mixture of Hg(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II), inhibition by each metal ion is significantly enhanced in the presence of the others. Applicability of the proposed assay for the determination of the Hg(II) in spiked drinking and sea water resulted in recoveries ranging from 100–110.52%.
Chemical, Physical and Biological Approaches to Prevent Ochratoxin Induced Toxicoses in Humans and Animals
Authors: Varga János , Kocsubé Sándor , Péteri Zsanett , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Tóth Beáta
Published: July 2010

Ochratoxins are polyketide derived fungal secondary metabolites with nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, teratogenic, and carcinogenic properties. Ochratoxin-producing fungi may contaminate agricultural products in the field (preharvest spoilage), during storage (postharvest spoilage), or during processing. Ochratoxin contamination of foods and feeds poses a serious health hazard to animals and humans. Several strategies have been investigated for lowering the ochratoxin content in agricultural products. These strategies can be classified into three main categories: prevention of ochratoxin contamination, decontamination or detoxification of foods contaminated with ochratoxins, and inhibition of the absorption of consumed ochratoxins in the gastrointestinal tract. This paper gives an overview of the strategies that are promising with regard to lowering the ochratoxin burden of animals and humans.
Éléments de l'Iran et du Proche-Orient anciens dans l'art scythe
Authors: Kuz'mina Elen Efimovna
Published: July 2010

Animal-style art developed in the Eurasian steppelands between the VIth and IVth centuries B.C. It was characterised by the prevalence of zoomorphic images interpreted in a definite stylistic manner. Some of the iconographic traits and entire compositions were borrowed by the Scythians from the fine arts of the Ancient Orient. However, the perception of Near Eastern elements was conditioned by the Scythians' ideology. The animal style in art reflected their world-view and can be regarded as an individual sign system.

Among the method of analysing their semantics, the mythological one has been successfully employed by a number of Soviet researchers. Scythian mythology can be reconstructed on several levels : 1. Scythian proper, based on the use of data on the Scythian religion supplied by the Greek authors ; 2. Indo-Iranian, based on a system analysis of spiritual culture as part of the Indo-Iranian one (Scythian belonged to the Indo-Iranian family of peoples) ; 3. Indo-European, based on using data about Indo-European mythology (Scythians belonged to the Indo- European community) ; 4. Universal, based on using universal mythologemes and notions common to all of mankind at the mythological stage of thinking.

This method makes it possible to explain some of peculiar features of scythian art and discover the semantics of individual images and compositions. Representational units and invariant elements of Scythian art correspond to fixed formulas, clichés, epithets of mythological and folklore texts. The zoomorphic images stem from the zoomorphic symbolics of thinking common to the Indo-Iranians and the rest of the Indo-Europeans. The images of the horse, as solar symbol, reflect formulas linked to the god Mithra ; the pairs of opposing horses, images of twins linked with the cult of the world tree and mother goddess ; the image of a three-headed serpent, the combat of the forefather-hero against the serpent ; a combat between two horses, the cult of the water god Tishtriya ; the scene of tearing a hoofed animal by a beast of prey, a symbolic reflection of the rebirth of nature in springtime, the day of spring equinox, linked with the victory of the god substituted by the king at the coronation. Entire compositions reconstruct the universal image of the world : the Chertomlyk Vase and the pectoral from the Tolstaya Mogila, the head-dress of a Saka king from Issyk Barrow and those of Scythian queens symbolise a cosmogramme with the world tree in the centre attached to the Scythian social and cosmogonie system, and make it possible to draw important conclusions on the sacral roles of the king and the queen.
Contributions récentes de la céramologie à l'histoire de l'Afghanistan
Authors: Lyonnet Bertille
Published: July 2010

Through a systematic study of large collections of poteries found in different parts of Afghanistan, it is now possible to present an overall view of the evolution of ceramics in that country from the Bronze age to the present day. The variation observed from one region or period to another, as well as the analogies and differences established with the pottery found in adjacent areas (Central Asia, India, Iran), provide pricelesss informations on the history of Afghanistan in the last 5 000 years.
Origine et montage des bannières peintes de Dunhuang
Authors: Jera-Bezard Robert , Maillard Monique
Published: July 2010

The subject of this paper is to seek the origins of the mounting of the Buddhist banners recovered by Sir Aurel Stein and Paul Pelliot in a cave of the Mogao grottos near Dunhuang (Gansu, China). First, we distinguish the different categories of banners and paintings on silk or hemp cloth according to their shape and use. Secondly, this study follows the development of the banners as ornaments of the stûpa from India to China across Central Asia. Lastly, the Chinese origin of the art of mounting is demonstrated with the help of examples selected in Chinese art. The mounting seems to find its final shape (with triangular headpiece, side and lower ribbons) toward the early Tang period (618-712). It will keep this form at least as far the Song period. Another paper will deal more particularly with the religious utilization of the banners.
A propos de « stûpa miniatures » votifs du Ve siècle découverts à Tourfan et au Gansu
Authors: Durt Hubert , Riboud Krishnã , Tung-Hun Lai
Published: July 2010

The object of the present article is to point out the existence of a group of twelve «miniature» votive stupas, all of them having similar aspects of iconography and carrying the same engraved Buddhist sûtra. According to our assessments, based on five stupas giving dates of their construction, they could all date from the first half of the fifth century A.D. The earliest finds of this type of stûpa was made by A. Grunwedel and A. von le Coq in Qotcho (Chotscho) in 1902-1905 (our stûpa numbers 8 and 9). In figure 4, the complete text of stûpa number 8 is reproduced and analysed for the first time. Following Shi Yan's article in 1956 reporting new discoveries (note 2, d), A.C. Soper had grouped together five stupas (our stûpa numbers 2, 4, 5, 1 1 and 12) together with von Le Coq's find (our stûpa number 9) and had published a penetrating article (note 2, e). Stûpa numbers 3 and 6 mentioned here represent complete specimens and provide important comparative evidence for all other stupas discovered since 1956. The Introduction is based on a descriptive account of each stûpa. In figure 21, Lai Tung-Hung has reproduced each extant character of the engraved text figuring on the different stupas, and has provided a correspondence of text, including the section relating to sûtra. This procedure has enabled H. Durt to note that the sûtra featured on the stupas are all from the same source and stems from «Law of Dependent Origination » ox pratîtyasamutpâda. H. Durt also cites several hypotheses made by other authors, and suggests the Ekottarâgama sûtra as the canonical reference for these texts.