bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and Limitation of Infliximab Treatment for Children with Kawasaki Disease Intractable to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy: Report of an Open-label Case Series
Authors: MORI MASAAKI , IMAGAWA TOMOYUKI , HARA RYOKI , KIKUCHI MASAKO , HARA TAKUMA , NOZAWA TOMO , MIYAMAE TAKAKO , YOKOTA SHUMPEI
Published: February 2012

Objective.

Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile disease in infants and young children. Five percent to 8% of cases will be complicated with coronary dilatation or aneurysm, although introduction of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has provided remarkable results for reducing the frequency of cardiac involvement. We describe the results of an open-label trial of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody, for suppressing the progression of coronary artery lesions in cases of KD refractory to extensive IVIG therapy. Plasma exchange (PE) was available as a rescue therapy for patients refractory to infliximab.

Methods.

Twenty eligible patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for KD, and were primarily treated with IVIG up to 4 g/kg. “Refractory to IVIG” was defined as persisting or reemerging fever > 38°C and positive fractional changes of C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts, or neutrophil counts 48 hours after IVIG infusion. These cases were treated with infliximab, 5 mg/kg, which should begin within 10 days of disease onset. PE for patients refractory to infliximab was performed with 5% albumin.

Results.

There was rapid improvement of inflammatory symptoms as well as normalization of the inflammatory markers. Sequential examination by echocardiography up to disease Day 30 revealed that the inflamed and mildly dilated coronary artery at the beginning of the study regressed to normal size in the convalescent phase. Two out of 20 patients showed incomplete improvement of inflammatory symptoms after infliximab treatment, and were provided with PE therapy, with no complications.

Conclusion.

Eighteen of 20 patients were effectively treated with infliximab, and 2 cases were effectively treated with PE to prevent progression to coronary artery lesions. No adverse event such as anaphylactoid reaction, heart failure, severe infectious diseases, or tuberculosis was observed in this trial.
Nail Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: Distal Phalangeal Bone Edema Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Development of Onycholysis and Hyperkeratosis
Authors: DALBETH NICOLA , PUI KAREN , LOBO MARIA , DOYLE ANTHONY , JONES PETER B. , TAYLOR WILLIAM J. , McQUEEN FIONA M.
Published: February 2012

Objective.

To examine the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of distal phalanx (DP) disease and the progression of nail pathology in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods.

Clinical nail assessment and hand MRI scans were done on 34 patients with PsA. Twenty patients had repeat nail assessments after 1 year.

Results.

Nails with onycholysis and hyperkeratosis at baseline were more likely to have corresponding DP bone erosion and proliferation on MRI. DP bone edema on baseline MRI was associated with development of onycholysis and hyperkeratosis in corresponding nails.

Conclusion.

Our data suggest that DP inflammation is central in the development of psoriatic nail disease.
Hapivirins and Diprovirins: Novel θ-Defensin Analogs with Potent Activity against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Doss Mona , Ruchala Piotr , Tecle Tesfaldet , Gantz Donald , Verma Anamika , Hartshorn Alex , Crouch Erika C. , Luong Hai , Micewicz Ewa D. , Lehrer Robert I. , Hartshorn Kevan L.
Published: February 2012

θ-Defensins are cyclic octadecapeptides found in nonhuman primates whose broad antiviral spectrum includes HIV-1, HSV-1, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and influenza A virus (IAV). We previously reported that synthetic θ-defensins called retrocyclins can neutralize and aggregate various strains of IAV and increase IAV uptake by neutrophils. This study describes two families of peptides, hapivirins and diprovirins, whose design was inspired by retrocyclins. The goal was to develop smaller partially cyclic peptides that retain the antiviral activity of retrocyclins, while being easier to synthesize. The novel peptides also allowed for systemic substitution of key residues to evaluate the role of charge or hydrophobicity on antiviral activity. Seventy-two hapivirin or diprovirin peptides are described in this work, including several whose anti-IAV activity equals or exceeds that of normal α- or θ-defensins. Some of these also had strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. These new peptides were active against H3N2 and H1N1 strains of IAV. Structural features imparting strong antiviral activity were identified through iterative cycles of synthesis and testing. Our findings show the importance of hydrophobic residues for antiviral activity and show that pegylation, which often increases a peptide’s serum t1/2 in vivo, can increase the antiviral activity of DpVs. The new peptides acted at an early phase of viral infection, and, when combined with pulmonary surfactant protein D, their antiviral effects were additive. The peptides strongly increased neutrophil and macrophage uptake of IAV, while inhibiting monocyte cytokine generation. Development of modified θ-defensin analogs provides an approach for creating novel antiviral agents for IAV infections.
Suppression of the NF-κB Pathway by Diesel Exhaust Particles Impairs Human Antimycobacterial Immunity
Authors: Sarkar Srijata , Song Youngmia , Sarkar Somak , Kipen Howard M. , Laumbach Robert J. , Zhang Junfeng , Ohman Strickland Pamela A. , Gardner Carol R. , Schwander Stephan
Published: February 2012

Epidemiological studies suggest that chronic exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, including tuberculosis in humans. A possible link between particulate air pollutant exposure and antimycobacterial immunity has not been explored in human primary immune cells. We hypothesized that exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP), a major component of urban fine particulate matter, suppresses antimycobacterial human immune effector cell functions by modulating TLR-signaling pathways and NF-κB activation. We show that DEP and H37Ra, an avirulent laboratory strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, were both taken up by the same peripheral human blood monocytes. To examine the effects of DEP on M. tuberculosis-induced production of cytokines, PBMC were stimulated with DEP and M. tuberculosis or purified protein derivative. The production of M. tuberculosis and purified protein derivative-induced IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was reduced in a DEP dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 remained unchanged. Furthermore, DEP stimulation prior to M. tuberculosis infection altered the expression of TLR3, -4, -7, and -10 mRNAs and of a subset of M. tuberculosis-induced host genes including inhibition of expression of many NF-κB (e.g., CSF3, IFNG, IFNA, IFNB, IL1A, IL6, and NFKBIA) and IFN regulatory factor (e.g., IFNG, IFNA1, IFNB1, and CXCL10) pathway target genes. We propose that DEP downregulate M. tuberculosis-induced host gene expression via MyD88-dependent (IL6, IL1A, and PTGS2) as well as MyD88-independent (IFNA, IFNB) pathways. Prestimulation of PBMC with DEP suppressed the expression of proinflammatory mediators upon M. tuberculosis infection, inducing a hyporesponsive cellular state. Therefore, DEP alters crucial components of antimycobacterial host immune responses, providing a possible mechanism by which air pollutants alter antimicrobial immunity.
Adiponectin Induces Dendritic Cell Activation via PLCγ/JNK/NF-κB Pathways, Leading to Th1 and Th17 Polarization
Authors: Jung Mi Young , Kim Han-Soo , Hong Hye-Jin , Youn Byung-Soo , Kim Tae Sung
Published: February 2012

Adiponectin (APN) is a crucial regulator for many inflammatory processes, but its effect on Th cell-mediated responses has not been fully understood. Thus, we investigated the immune-modulatory effects of APN on dendritic cells (DCs) controlling Th cell polarization. APN induced maturation and activation of DCs, as demonstrated by the increased expression of MHC class II, costimulatory molecules in both mouse and human DCs, and it significantly enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines. APN triggered degradation of IκB proteins, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit, and phosphorylation of MAPKs in DCs. Pretreatment with a phospholipase C (PLC)γ inhibitor and a JNK inhibitor suppressed IL-12 production and NF-κB binding activity. Additionally, PLCγ inhibitor downregulated phosphorylation of JNK, indicating that PLCγ and JNK may be upstream molecules of NF-κB. Importantly, APN-treated DCs significantly induced both Th1 and Th17 responses in allogeneic CD4+ T cells. The addition of a neutralizing anti–IL-12 mAb to the cocultures abolished the secretion of IFN-γ, whereas the blockage of IL-23 and IL-1β suppressed APN-induced IL-17 production. Immunization of mice with OVA-pulsed, APN-treated DCs efficiently led to Ag-specific Th1 and Th17 cell responses. Taken together, these results demonstrated that APN effectively induced activation of DCs through PLCγ/JNK/NF-κB-signaling pathways, leading to enhanced Th1 and Th17 responses.
Potassium Permanganate Ingestion As a Suicide Attempt
Authors: Cevik Sebnem Eren , Yesil Onur , Ozturk Tuba Cimilli , Guneysel Ozlem
Published: February 2012

Potassium permanganate is a highly corrosive, water-soluble oxidizing antiseptic. A 68- year-old female patient was admitted to our Emergency Department after ingestion of 3 tablets of 250 mg potassium permanganate as a suicide attempt. The physical exam revealed brown stained lesions in the oropharynx. Emergency endoscopy was performed by the gastroenterologist after the third hour of ingestion. Emergency endoscopy revealed multiple superficial (Grade I-II) lesions on the esophagus and cardia, which were considered secondary to the caustic substance. The mainstay in the treatment of potassium permanganate is supportive and the immediate priority is to secure the airway. Emergency endoscopy is an important tool used to evaluate the location and severity of injury to the esophagus, stomach and duodenum after caustic ingestion. Patients with signs and symptoms of intentional ingestion should undergo endoscopy within 12 to 24 h to define the extent of the disease.
Impact of mentorship on WHO-AFRO Strengthening Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA)
Authors: Maruta Talkmore , Motebang David , Mathabo Lebina , Rotz Philip J. , Wanyoike Joseph , Peter Trevor
Published: February 2012

Background: The improvment of the quality of testing services in public laboratories is a high priority in many countries. Consequently, initiatives to train laboratory staff on quality management are being implemented, for example, the World Health Organization Regional Headquarters for Africa (WHO-AFRO) Strengthening Laboratory Management Towards Accreditation (SLMTA). Mentorship may be an effective way to augment these efforts. Methods: Mentorship was implemented at four hospital laboratories in Lesotho, three districts and one central laboratory, between June 2009 and December 2010. The mentorship model that was implemented had the mentor fully embedded within the operations of each of the laboratories. It was delivered in a series of two mentoring engagements of six and four week initial and follow-up visits respectively. In total, each laboratory received 10 weeks mentorship that was separated by 6–8 weeks. Quality improvements were measured at baseline and at intervals during the mentorship using the WHO-AFRO Strengthening Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist and scoring system. Results: At the beginning of the mentorship, all laboratories were at the SLIPTA zero star rating. After the initial six weeks of mentorship, two of the three district laboratories had improved from zero to one (out of five) star although the difference between their baseline (107.7) and the end of the six weeks (136.3) average scores was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). After 10 weeks of mentorship there was a significant improvement in average scores (182.3; p = 0.034) with one laboratory achieving WHO-AFRO three out of a possible five star status and the two remaining laboratories achieving a two star status. At Queen Elizabeth II (QE II) Central Laboratory, the average baseline score was 44%, measured using a section-specific checklist. There was a significant improvement by five weeks (57.2%; p = 0.021). Conclusion: The mentorship programme in this study resulted in significant measurable improvements towards preparation for the WHO-AFRO SLIPTA process in less than six months. We recommend that mentorship be incorporated into laboratory quality improvement and management training programmes such as SLMTA, in order to accelerate the progress of laboratories towards achieving accreditation.
Diversity of metazoan parasites of the Mozambique tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852), as indicators of pollution in the Limpopo and Olifants River systems
Authors: Madanire-Moyo Grace N. , Luus-Powell Wilmien J. , Olivier Pieter A.
Published: February 2012

Aquatic systems are affected by a variety of anthropogenic activities that decrease water quality through the introduction of organic and inorganic pollutants. To investigate the relationship between fish parasite communities and water quality, metazoan parasites were examined in 140 specimens of the Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) sampled in three lakes in the Limpopo Province, namely the Luphephe–Nwanedi Dams (regarded as unpolluted), the Flag Boshielo Dam (regarded as moderately polluted) and a return water dam on a mine site (regarded as polluted). The monogenean parasites Cichlidogyrus halli, digenean larval stages of Clinostomum and Diplostomum spp. and a gryporynchid cestode were found in or on O. mossambicus in all the sampled sites. The distribution of monogeneans (Cichlidogyrus sclerosus, Cichlidogyrus dossoui, Cichlidogyrus tilapiae, Scutogyrus longicornis and three Enterogyrus spp.), metacercarial stages of two digeneans (Neascus and Acanthostomum spp.) and nematodes (an unidentified nematode, Contracaecum sp., Paracamallanus cyathopharynx and Procamallanus laevionchus) was limited to the unpolluted and moderately polluted lakes. Larval stages of Diplostomum sp. were present in O. mossambicus collected from the unpolluted and polluted sites. The variability of the calculated infection indices (prevalence, mean abundance and mean intensity) and the parameters of species richness and diversity suggest that the structure of parasite communities are affected by the pollution levels of the water. The unpolluted reference site had the highest species richness and the highest overall parasite abundance values.
Combination Therapy with a Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 Inhibitor, Sulfonylurea, and Metformin Markedly Improves HbA1c Levels in Japanese Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Hirao Koichi , Maeda Hajime , Shirabe Shin-ichiro , Yamamoto Ritsuko , Hirao Tetsuyuki , Hirao Setsuko , Yamauchi Mikio , Arai Keiko
Published: February 2012

Combination therapy with a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor and metformin or sulfonylurea results in substantial and additive glucose-lowering effects in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, it is not known whether triple combination therapy with a DPP-4 inhibitor, metformin, and sulfonylurea has greater additive effects or synergic effects. In the present report, we investigated the effect of addition of sitagliptin, the first-in-class DPP-4 inhibitor, to ongoing metformin and sulfonylurea therapy in three female Japanese patients with T2DM who refused insulin therapy. Combined treatment with all three drugs resulted in marked improvements in HbA1c. In the first patient, HbA1c levels decreased from 11.1% to 6.1% after the addition of sitagliptin to metformin 1000 mg, glibenclamide, and miglitol, even though the dose of glibenclamide was decreased. HbA1c levels decreased similarly in the second patient, who was being treated with metformin and glibenclamide, from 7.9% to 6.0% after addition of sitagliptin and an increase in metformin to 2250 mg; this patient ceased glibenclamide because of hypoglycemia and instead was started on low-dose glimepiride. In the third patient, HbA1c levels decreased from 8.6% to 7.1% after addition of glimepiride to ongoing sitagliptin and metformin therapy. All three patients had refused insulin therapy, despite the fact that ongoing combination therapy had failed to achieve satisfactory glycemic control. Based on these results, it is likely that the addition of sitagliptin to metformin and at least a small dose of sulfonylurea may be effective in reducing HbA1c levels without weight gain. This triple combination therapy may prove useful in at least some patients who need initiation of insulin therapy.
Prophylactic circumferential intraoperative laser retinopexy decreases the risk of retinal detachment after macular hole surgery
Authors: Chalam Kakarla V. , Murthy Ravi K. , Gupta Shailesh K. , Khetpal Vijay
Published: February 2012

Purpose

Pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane is a well-established technique for the treatment of idiopathic macular holes with high success rates. Complications such as retinal tears may result from vitreous incarceration at the sclerotomy sites. Prophylactic laser retinopexy (LR) has recently been shown to decrease incidence of postvitrectomy rhegmatogenous retinal detachment but its efficacy in macular hole repair has not been established. In this study we evaluated the safety and efficacy of prophylactic LR and compared the patients to a control group that did not receive prophylactic treatment.

Methods

A retrospective, consecutive chart review was conducted comparing patients who underwent macular hole repair with LR to without LR. Patient demographics were collected and the number and time interval of retinal detachment in the 2 groups were compared. Statistical analysis was conducted between the 2 groups.

Results

A total of 144 eyes underwent macular hole repair during the study period. A total of 76 eyes underwent LR and 68 eyes did not undergo LR. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. At 1 year, RD occurred in 1 eye (1.31%) in the LR group and in 8 eyes (8.82%) without LR group (p<0.01).

Conclusions

Prophylactic LR decreases the incidence of postoperative retinal detachment a potentially disabling complication of macular hole repair surgery.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Trough: a Sign of Chronicity of Choroidal Nevi
Authors: Mashayekhi Arman , Siu Sophia , Shields Carol L. , Shields Jerry A.
Published: February 2012

Purpose.

To describe the clinical features and natural course of choroidal nevi with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) trough.

Methods.

Retrospective observational case series.

Results.

Of the 90 patients (91 choroidal nevi), 88 (98%) were Caucasian and 59 (66%) were women, with a mean age of 56 years (range 18-79 years) at presentation. The mean largest nevus basal diameter was 7 mm (range 3-12 mm) and the mean thickness was 2.2 mm (range 0.8-3.4 mm). Orange pigment and subretinal fluid were associated with 9 (10%) and 16 (18%) of the nevi, respectively. Overlying RPE alterations included RPE atrophy (93%), RPE hyperplasia (74%), drusen (54%), and RPE fibrous metaplasia (36%). Retinal pigment epithelial trough was present at initial evaluation in 88 eyes and developed during follow-up from a long-standing pocket of shallow subretinal fluid in 3 other eyes. The mean largest dimension of the RPE trough was 4 mm (range 1-16 mm) and most (76%) were located at the inferior margin of the nevus. Of 91 nevi, 82 had subsequent follow-up with a mean follow-up duration of 79 months (range 3-464 mo). Of these, 19 (23%) showed slight growth and only 3 (4%) had presumed transformation into melanoma. None of the patients showed evidence of distant metastasis.

Conclusions.

Retinal pigment epithelial trough results from resorption of long-standing serous subretinal fluid and should therefore be considered a sign of chronicity of choroidal nevi. Choroidal nevi associated with RPE trough, despite their greater thickness and larger size, are relatively stable with minimal risk of progression into melanoma.
Characterisation and Classification of the Neural Anatomy in the Human Hip Joint
Authors: Gerhardt Michael , Johnson Keith , Atkinson Roscoe , Snow Brian , Shaw Colin , Brown Ashley , Vangsness C. Thomas
Published: February 2012

Hip arthroscopy remains a useful surgical intervention for labral injuries. The literature has predominantly focused on structural and vascular considerations of the hip joint, with few studies examining the neurohistology of the surrounding periarticular tissues.

We mapped and identified the periarticular neural anatomy, to identify the presence of sensory nerve fibres and mechanoreceptors within the hip joint.

Eight human cadaveric hips were dissected into a total of ten specimens per hip. Histological staining was used to identify neural structures taken from the superolateral, anterior, inferior, and posterior positions of the hip joint. The frozen sections were analyzed by light microscopy to calculate relative concentrations of mean neural fibres per high power field (mnf/hpf).

Neural end organs were found in the hip capsule, acetabular labrum, ligamentum teres and transverse acetabular ligament. The highest levels of mechanoreceptors were found in the superolateral aspect of the hip capsule (9.6 mnf/hpf). The labrum showed highest levels of sensory fibres (3.4 mnf/hpf) and mechanoreceptors (4.3mnf/hpf) within the anterior zone.

Sensory fibres and mechanoreceptors densely populate the acetabular labrum, capsule and transverse acetabular ligament. The anterior zone of the labrum contained the highest relative concentration of sensory fibres, specifically Ruffini corpuscles.
The Accuracy of Automatic Calibration of Digital Pelvic Radiographs using two Different Scale Markers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Baxter Jonathan A. , Barlow Timothy , Karthikeyan Shanmugam , Mayo Damian J. , King Richard J.
Published: February 2012

We have investigated the accuracy of automatic calibration of digital pelvic radiographs using the single and double marker techniques. Both markers were applied by the radiographer at the time of routine, postoperative radiographs. Each radiograph was loaded into the TraumaCad™software package which calculated the magnification and scaled the radiograph automatically. The median error of magnification in the double marker group was 1.14% when calculated automatically. The median error of the single marker was 5.98%. The relationship between true and predicted magnification was strongest in the double marker group with excellent correlation (r=0.91) and agreement (ICC<0.91).

We believe that the double marker method with automatic calibration is the most reliable method of scaling a pelvic radiograph in clinical practice currently available.
Venous Thromboembolism and Its Prophylaxis in Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty: An International Perspective
Authors: Chari Aswin , Khokhar Arif , Murray David , McNally Martin , Pandit Hemant
Published: February 2012

Introduction

Patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) are at high risk of developing post-operative deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a subsequent pulmonary embolus (PE). Despite best efforts, the best prophylaxis for thromboembolic disease remains controversial. This article aims to update the reader on the newest guidelines concerning venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis for elective THAs, considering their advantages and disadvantages and highlighting their inconsistencies.

Methods

The Medline database and the Internet were searched for VTE prophylaxis guidelines in English. Nine guidelines were found and compared. The comparison looked at the recommendations made, the grade of recommendation, the level of evidence available for these recommendations and any inconsistencies between the guidelines.

Results

All guidelines advocate the use of LMWH and almost all advocate the use of mechanical methods of prophylaxis. The recommended duration ranges from 7␓35 days and in many cases, the duration is not specified. There is little consensus in terms of other recommended drugs, the doses, duration and their recommendation grades.

Conclusion

There is still uncertainty about the optimal methods of thromboprophylaxis in elective total hip arthroplasty. Although there are always going to be disagreements about the endpoints amongst guideline makers, guidelines should achieve uniformity in their criteria for levels of evidence and recommendation grades, facilitating the clinician's decision-making process.
Clostridium Perfringens Infection Complicating Periprosthetic Fracture Fixation about the Hip: Successful Treatment with Early Aggressive Debridement
Authors: Baker Joseph F. , Vioreanu Mihai H. , Harty James A.
Published: February 2012

Periprosthetic fracture and infection are both challenges following hip arthroplasty. We report the case of an 87 year old female who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of a periprosthetic femoral fracture. Her post-operative course was complicated by infection with Clostridium perfringens. Early aggressive antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement were successful, and allowed retention of the original components.
On ϕ-Recurrent Para-Sasakian Manifold Admitting
Quarter-Symmetric Metric Connection
Authors: Pradeep Kumar K. T. , Venkatesha  , Bagewadi C. S.
Published: February 2012

We obtained the relation between the Riemannian connection
and the quarter-symmetric metric connection on a para-Sasakian manifold.
Further, we study ϕ-recurrent and concircular ϕ-recurrent para-Sasakian
manifolds with respect to quarter-symmetric metric connection.
Antenna Optimization Using Multiobjective Algorithms
Authors: Travassos X. L. , Vieira D. A. G. , Lisboa A. C.
Published: February 2012

This paper presents several applications of multiobjective optimization to antenna design, emphasizing the main general steps in this process. Specifications of antennas usually involve many conflicting objectives related to directivity, impedance matching, cross-polarization, and frequency range. These requirements induce multiobjective problems, which are formulated, solved, and analyzed here for three distinct antenna designs: a bowtie antenna for ground-penetrating radars, a reflector antenna for satellite broadcast systems, and a meander-line antenna for radio-frequency identification tags. Both stochastic and deterministic methods are considered in the analysis.
A Twelve-Year Experience in Ambulatory Surgery within Urology
Authors: Navalón Pedro , Pallás Yoni , Navalón Victor , Ordoño Felipe , Monllor Elisa
Published: February 2012

Purpose. The aim of this study is to show you the results we obtained through the integration of the Urology Department into the Ambulatory Surgery Unit for the very first twelve years. Scope. We will explain both the criteria we followed for patients to join in and the surgical and anesthetic procedures we used with those 1544 patients who were ambulatory subjected to urological diseases. After those patients were treated, they reached up to 95% of reasonable results. Conclusions. Most of urological patients liable to have surgical treatment are bound to be included in an ambulatory surgery program, which implies neither a worse healthcare service standard nor a worse satisfaction in patients.
A Comprehensive Study of Micro-Hydropower Plant and Its Potential in Bangladesh
Authors: Razan Jahidul Islam , Islam Riasat Siam , Hasan Rezaul , Hasan Samiul , Islam Fokhrul
Published: February 2012

Depletion of fossil fuel and the inability to meet the rising demand of electricity are some drawbacks for the economic development of Bangladesh. Carbon emission done by developed world is also troubling the country. This paper focuses on the potential of micro-hydropower plant in Bangladesh due to its numerous rivers and canals providing off-grid power to the remote areas and also to the areas that are still outside the main grid network. This paper reflects on the current energy scenario in Bangladesh, the need to explore green energy thus proving how the establishment of widespread micro-hydropower plant can help overcome the current power crisis and play a role in the economic progress of the country. The existing potential sites are mentioned and the means to identify new sites are outlined by performing hydrology studies, topographic studies, head calculations, turbine selection, and so forth.
Prognostic Biomarkers and EBV Infection Research in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Palatine Tonsils
Authors: Marques Marinho , Luz Estela , Hummel Michael , Vieira Maria das Graças , Bahia Regina Célia , Oliveira Maria Cristina , Netto Eduardo Martins , Luz Ivana , Araújo Iguaracyra
Published: February 2012

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma represents approximately 30%–40% of all diagnoses of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and may represent up to 80% of all lymphomas that arise in the palatine tonsils. Several studies have attempted to correlate clinical, laboratorial, and tissue factors with the prognosis of the lymphomas, such as the International Prognostic Index, the tissue expression of some proteins, and the lymphocyte count at the time of diagnosis, as well as to correlate Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with worse prognoses. Patients with palatine tonsil DLBCL, from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, were studied in order to identify prognostic factors. Twenty-four patients with DLBCL were studied. The factors that negatively influenced the patients’ survival rates were the lymphocyte count at the time of diagnosis <1.000/mm3 and the Bcl-2 protein expression. There was no CD5 expression in these lymphomas, and neither was there an association with EBV infection.
Crossing International and Research Boundaries: From Subject to Author for an Authentic Refugee Portrait
Authors: Besic Jasenka , McBrien J. Lynn
Published: February 2012

Scholars in training, including qualitative researchers, are often cautioned about their relationship to their research participants with the notion that “getting too close” can distort findings. However, with many participants, especially those with whom issues of trust are problematic due to their personal experiences, researchers cannot gain rich data without creating an authentic and close relationship. In this longitudinal study, a female Bosnian youth and an academic researcher grapple with issues of trust, friendship, and research in an effort to determine ways to create valid research findings over years of relationship building.
Review of Salivary Gland Neoplasms
Authors: To Victor Shing Howe , Chan Jimmy Yu Wai , Tsang Raymond K. Y. , Wei William I.
Published: February 2012

Salivary gland tumours most often present as painless enlarging masses. Most are located in the parotid glands and most are benign. The principal hurdle in their management lies in the difficulty in distinguishing benign from malignant tumours. Investigations such as fine needle aspiration cytology and MRI scans provide some useful information, but most cases will require surgical excision as a means of coming to a definitive diagnosis. Benign tumours and early low-grade malignancies can be adequately treated with surgery alone, while more advanced and high-grade tumours with regional lymph node metastasis will require postoperative radiotherapy. The role of chemotherapy remains largely palliative. This paper highlights some of the more important aspects in the management of salivary gland tumours.
Perfil socioeconômico das crianças que não aderiram ao esquema da vacina contra o rotavírus
Authors: Martins Gabriella Miranda , Aboim Eliane Janine Hedwiges Gradvohl
Published: February 2012

Introdução: O rotavírus apresenta distribuição universal, determinando episódios de gastrenterite aguda, endêmica em regiões de clima tropical. A forma mais eficaz de evitá-la é por meio da imunização. Crianças vindas de ambiente com melhores condições e mais elevado nível sociocultural tendem a ter melhor prognóstico, enquanto aquelas vindas de famílias carentes apresentam maior risco de gravidade da doença. Objetivo: Avaliar o perfil socioeconômico das famílias das crianças que não aderiram ao esquema da vacina contra o rotavírus. Métodos: Por meio do cartão-sombra, cópia do cartão vacinal de cada criança em poder dos agentes comunitários de saúde do Centro de Saúde Cecy Fortes, analisou-se a situação vacinal das crianças nascidas no período de abril de 2009 a janeiro de 2011. O prontuário de família das crianças, que não realizaram o esquema completo da vacina contra rotavírus, foi avaliado com base nos dados assentados nos mesmos, relativos ao seu perfil socioeconômico. Resultados e discussão: De 183 cartões-sombra avaliados, 25 encontravam-se com esquema incompleto ou ausente da vacina e tiveram os prontuários de família avaliados. Sessenta e oito por cento dessas famílias têm renda inferior a dois salários mínimos, o que representa risco de agravo de doenças diarreicas. Porém, 96% dos pais são alfabetizados, e 100% das famílias vivem em habitações com condições satisfatórias de saneamento, que inferem bom prognóstico. Conclusão: As famílias dessas crianças são, em sua maioria, compostas por pais alfabetizados, têm renda familiar inferior a dois salários mínimos e as condições de habitação e saneamento são satisfatórias.
Caracterização da demanda em uma Unidade de Saúde da Família
Authors: Pimentel Ítalo Rossy Sousa , Coelho Bhagavan de Castro , Lima Jussiê Correia , Ribeiro Fabrício Gurgel , Sampaio Felipe Pereira de Castro , Pinheiro Rômulo Pedroza , Rocha Filho Fernando dos Santos
Published: February 2012

Introdução: Os motivos de atendimento nas Unidades de Saúde da Família são diversos. Entretanto, é importante diagnosticar-se as principais necessidades da população para que o sistema de atenção básica à saúde possa se reorganizar, no sentido de solucionar os problemas mais prevalentes na população. Neste contexto, torna-se estratégico para a organização da Atenção Primária à Saúde o aperfeiçoamento de programas assistenciais neste nível, principalmente a Estratégia de Saúde da Família, por meio do conhecimento do perfil da demanda que procura a rede instalada de Unidade de Saúde da Família. Objetivos: Realizar uma análise do perfil demográfico da população em estudo, enfatizando o gênero e a faixa etária mais prevalente dos usuários de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, destacando quais doenças, sinais e sintomas são mais comuns nessa população; descrever os principais motivos de atendimento na Unidade de Saúde da Família e destacar os encaminhamentos para serviços especializados em tal lugar. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. O presente estudo foi realizado na Unidade de Saúde da Família Luís Albuquerque Mendes, localizada em Fortaleza, no Ceará, de fevereiro a junho de 2010. Resultados: A prevalência de mulheres e pessoas com idade acima de 40 anos nessa Unidade de Saúde da Família foi de 72,2 e 54,5%, respectivamente. O motivo mais comum de atendimento na Unidade foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica, com prevalência de 15,2%. Em relação aos sintomas mais frequentes, a lombalgia ficou em primeiro lugar, com 13,8%, e a cefaleia em segundo, com 6,9%. A doença mais prevalente foi a hipertensão arterial sistêmica com 37%. Apenas 1,6% dos usuários procuraram a Unidade para pedir encaminhamentos a serviços especializados. Conclusões: Este estudo ajudou a caracterizar o perfil demográfico dos usuários de uma Unidade de Saúde da Família, como também diagnosticou as principais causas de atendimento, destacando-se as queixas e as doenças mais prevalentes.
Virus‐induced multiple gene silencing to study redundant metabolic pathways in plants: Silencing the starch degradation pathway in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: George Gavin M. , Bauer Rolene , Blennow Andreas , Kossmann Jens , Lloyd James R.
Published: February 2012

Virus‐induced gene silencing (VIGS) is a rapid technique that allows for specific and reproducible post‐transcriptional degradation of targeted mRNA. The method has been proven efficient for suppression of expression of many single enzymes. The metabolic networks of plants, however, often contain isoenzymes and gene families that are able to compensate for a mutation and mask the development of a silencing phenotype. Here, we show the application of multiple gene VIGS repression for the study of these redundant biological pathways. Several genes in the starch degradation pathway [disproportionating enzyme 1; (DPE1), disproportionating enzyme 2 (DPE2), and GWD] were silenced. The functionally distinct DPE enzymes are present in alternate routes for sugar export to the cytoplasm and result in an increase in starch production when silenced individually. Simultaneous silencing of DPE1 and DPE2 in Nicotiana benthamiana resulted in a near complete suppression in starch and accumulation of malto‐oligosaccharides.
Exploring dried blood spot sampling technique for simultaneous quantification of antiretrovirals: lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine in a rodent pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Nirogi Ramakrishna , Kandikere Vishwottam , Komarneni Prashanth , Aleti Raghupathi , Padala NagaSuryaPrakash , Kalaikadhiban Ilayaraja , Bhyrapuneni Gopinadh , Muddana Nageswararao
Published: February 2012

A high‐performance liquid chromatography/positive ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous quantification of lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine was developed and validated in dried blood spot (DBS) cards. The analytes were separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a reverse phase column and analyzed by MS/MS in the MRM mode using the respective [M + H]+ ions, m/z 230–112 for lamivudine, m/z 225–127 for stavudine, m/z 267–226 for nevirapine, m/z 383–337 for zidovudine (IS). The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL for both lamivudine and stavudine and 10 ng/mL for nevirapine. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained for concentrations over the standard curve range. The method was successfully applied to quantify them in a rat pharmacokinetic study in whole blood, plasma and DBS cards after a single oral co‐administration at the dose of 10, 2 and 13 mg/kg for lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine, respectively, to male Wistar rats. Following oral administration the pharmacokinetic results in all the matrices are in close agreement. Thus accomplishment of this method would facilitate the ease of collection of clinical samples on DBS cards for lamivudine, stavudine and nevirapine during human clinical trials and therapeutic drug monitoring. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New Pentahydroxylated Steroids from the South China Sea Gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa
Authors: Liao Xiao‐Jian , Tang Li‐Dan , Liang Yuan‐Wei , Jian Shui‐Lian , Xu Shi‐Hai , Liu Yong‐Hong
Published: February 2012

Two new pentahydroxylated steroids, (3β,12β,16β,23E)‐cholesta‐5,23‐diene‐3,12,16,20,25‐pentaol (1) and (3β,12β,16β)‐cholesta‐5,25(26)‐diene‐3,12,16,20,24‐pentaol (2), were isolated from the EtOH extract of the South China Sea gorgonian Subergorgia suberosa. In addition, four known steroids were detected. The structures of these compounds were established by spectroscopic methods and comparison of their data with those of the related known compounds. In addition, the cyctotoxicities of the compounds were evaluated against selected cancer cell lines.
Cucurbitane Triterpenoids from the Leaves of Momordica charantia, and Their Cancer Chemopreventive Effects and Cytotoxicities
Authors: Zhang Jie , Huang Yan , Kikuchi Takashi , Tokuda Harukuni , Suzuki Nobutaka , Inafuku Kei‐ichiro , Miura Motofumi , Motohashi Shigeyasu , Suzuki Takashi , Akihisa Toshihiro
Published: February 2012

Seventeen cucurbitane‐type triterpenoids, 1–17, including six new compounds, (23E)‐3β,25‐dihydroxy‐7β‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al (1), (23S*)‐3β‐hydroxy‐7β,23‐dimethoxycucurbita‐5,24‐dien‐19‐al (6), (23R*)‐23‐O‐methylmomordicine IV (7), (25ξ)‐26‐hydroxymomordicoside L (8), 25‐oxo‐27‐normomordicoside L (9), and 25‐O‐methylkaravilagenin D (12), were isolated from a MeOH extract of the leaves of Japanese Momordica charantia. The structures of new compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses and comparison with literature. Compounds 1–17 were examined for their inhibitory effects on EpsteinBarr virus early antigen (EBV‐EA) activation induced with 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA) in Raji cells, a known primary screening test for inhibitors of tumor promotion. Four compounds, 1, (23E)‐3β,7β‐dihydroxy‐25‐methoxycucurbita‐5,23‐dien‐19‐al (2), karavilagenin D (11), and 12, showed potent inhibitory effects on EBV‐EA induction with IC50 values in the range of 242–264 mol ratio/32 pmol TPA. In addition, compounds 1 and 11 exhibited inhibitory effects on skin‐tumor promotion in an in vivo two‐stage mouse skin carcinogenesis test based on 7,12‐dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) as initiator, and with TPA as a promoter. Furthermore, upon evaluation of the cytotoxic activities of compounds 1–17 against human cancer cell lines, compounds 2, 5–7, 9, and 14 showed potent activities against HL60 cell line, and compound 2 against SK‐BR‐3 cell line.
Transformation of Silanes into Silanols using Water and Recyclable Metal Nanoparticle Catalysts
Authors: Jeon Mina , Han Junghoon , Park Jaiwook
Published: February 2012

The highly selective and efficient transformation of organosilanes into silanols was achieved using readily available heterogeneous metal nanoparticle catalysts on an aluminum oxyhydroxide support [M/AlO(OH), M=Pd, Au, Rh, Ru, and Cu]. The transformation was performed under ambient conditions with water. Among the catalysts investigated, the palladium catalyst showed the highest activity; it was highly recyclable and applicable for large‐scale reactions. The palladium catalyst was effective for a wide range of silanes, although small amounts of hydrogenated side products were formed in some cases for alkynyl silanes. The hydrogenation reaction was suppressed by using an oxygen atmosphere or by the using a gold catalyst. The gold catalyst could be reused at least ten times without any loss in activity.
Prediction of the Melt Index Based on the Relevance Vector Machine with Modified Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Jiang H. , Xiao Y. , Li J. , Liu X.
Published: February 2012

A novel chemical soft‐sensor approach for the prediction of the melt index (MI) in the propylene polymerization industry is presented. The MI is considered as one of the important variables of quality that determine the product specifications. Thus, a reliable estimation of the MI is crucial in quality control. An accurate optimal predictive model of MI values with the relevance vector machine (RVM) is proposed, where the RVM is employed to build the MI prediction model; a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO) algorithm is then introduced to optimize the parameter of the RVM, and the MPSO‐RVM model is thereby developed. An online correcting strategy (OCS) is further carried out to update the modeling data and to revise the model's parameter self‐adaptively whenever model mismatch happens. Based on the data from a real polypropylene production plant, a detailed comparison is carried out among the least squares support vector machine (LS‐SVM), RVM, MPSO‐RVM, and OCS‐MPSO‐RVM models. The research results reveal the prediction accuracy and validity of the proposed approach.
Degradation and Leaching of Napropamide in BRIS Soil Amended with Chicken Dung and Palm Oil Mill Effluent
Authors: Sadegh‐Zadeh Fardin , Samsuri Abd Wahid , Radziah Othman , Dzolkhifli Omar , Seh‐Bardan Bahi Jalili
Published: February 2012

The degradation and leaching of napropamide were compared between Beach Ridges Interspersed with Swales (BRIS) soil samples, and the same soil samples amended with 20 mg ha−1 of either chicken dung (CD) or palm oil mill effluent (POME). The effects of removing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from the soil samples on napropamide degradation and leaching were also studied. The addition of CD and POME to BRIS soil increased the napropamide half‐life values to 69 and 49.5 days, respectively. Sterilization of the soil samples resulted in partial inhibition of napropamide degradation in all soil samples. The half‐lives of napropamide in BRIS soils receiving 0, 20, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 of DOC derived from CD were 43, 46.2, 53.4, and 63 days, respectively. The napropamide half‐lives in soil samples treated with 0, 20, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 of DOC derived from POME were 43, 49.2, 57.7, and 69 days, respectively. However, in the sterilized soil samples, there were no significant effects of adding DOC derived from either CD or POME on napropamide half‐lives. Incorporating either CD or POME decreased napropamide leaching and total amounts of napropamide remained in the soil columns after two pore volumes of water has been leached were higher in the amended than the non‐amended soil. The CD was more effective in decreasing napropamide leaching than the POME. There were no effects of DOC on napropamide leaching in all soil treatments.
Kinetic Determination of Trace Amounts of Nitrite Using an Optical Chemical Sensor
Authors: Afkhami Abbas , Madrakian Tayyebeh , Aleseyyed Seyyed Bahman
Published: February 2012

An optical chemical sensor (optode) is proposed for the kinetic determination of nitrite ion. The optode was fabricated by the immobilization of methyl violet on a triacetylcellulose polymeric membrane. Methyl violet is covalently bonded to a transparent triacetylcellulose film. By immersion of the sensor into an acidic nitrite solution, the absorbance of the sensor at 596 nm decreases with time that is due to the reaction of nitrite with the immobilized methyl violet. A fixed time method of 15 min was used to monitor the reaction. The linear range for the determination of nitrite was 0.20–8.00 µg mL−1 and the limit of detection was 0.08 µg mL−1. The optodes were one‐shot, they had durability more than 2 months and were easily prepared. The optode was successfully applied to the determination of nitrite ion in spring water and sewage samples.
Correcting for Spectral Cross‐Talk in Dual‐Color Fluorescence Cross‐Correlation Spectroscopy
Authors: Bacia Kirsten , Petrášek Zdeněk , Schwille Petra
Published: February 2012

Dual‐color fluorescence cross‐correlation spectroscopy (dcFCCS) allows one to quantitatively assess the interactions of mobile molecules labeled with distinct fluorophores. The technique is widely applied to both reconstituted and live‐cell biological systems. A major drawback of dcFCCS is the risk of an artifactual false‐positive or overestimated cross‐correlation amplitude arising from spectral cross‐talk. Cross‐talk can be reduced or prevented by fast alternating excitation, but the technology is not easily implemented in standard commercial setups. An experimental strategy is devised that does not require specialized hardware and software for recognizing and correcting for cross‐talk in standard dcFCCS. The dependence of the cross‐talk on particle concentrations and brightnesses is quantitatively confirmed. Moreover, it is straightforward to quantitatively correct for cross‐talk using quickly accessible parameters, that is, the measured (apparent) fluorescence count rates and correlation amplitudes. Only the bleed‐through ratio needs to be determined in a calibration measurement. Finally, the limitations of cross‐talk correction and its influence on experimental error are explored.