bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of the temperature of a drill in drilling lunar rock simulant in a vacuum
Authors: Cui Jinsheng , Hou Xuyan , Deng Zongquan , Pan Wanjing , Quan Qiquan
Published: April 2015

In this article, the temperature of a sampling drill in drilling lunar rock simulant in a high-vacuum environment was studied. The thermal problem was viewed as a 1-D transient heat transfer problem in a semi-infinite object. The simplified drill was modeled using heat conduction differential equation and a fast numerical calculation method is proposed on this basis, with time and the drill discretized. The model was modified to consider the effects of radiation, drill bit configuration, and non-constant heat source. A thermal analysis was conducted using ANSYS Workbench to determine the value of the equivalent correction coefficient proposed in this paper. Using fiber Bragg grating temperature measurement method, drilling experiments were conducted in a vacuum, and the results were compared to the model. The agreement between model and experiment was very good.
Unsteady magnetohydrodynamics thin film flow of a third grade fluid over an oscillating inclined belt embedded in a porous medium
Authors: Ghani Fazal , Gul Taza , Islam Saeed , Shah R.A. , Khan Ilyas , Sharida Shafie , Nasir S. , Khan M.A.
Published: April 2015

In the present work we examine the motion of an incompressible unidirectional magnetohydrodynamics thin film flow of a third grade fluid over an oscillating inclined belt embedded in a porous medium. Moreover, heat transfer analysis has been also discussed in the present work. This physical problem is modeled in terms of non-linear partial differential equations. These equations together with physical boundary conditions are solved using two analytical techniques namely optimal homotopy asymptotic method and homotopy perturbation method. The comparisons of these two methods for different time level are analyzed numerically and graphically. The results exposed that both methods are in closed agreement and they have identical solutions. The effects of various non-dimensional parameters have also been studied graphically.
An Updated Analysis of Enforcement Actions against Engagement Quality Reviewers
Authors: Kraussman Michael , Messier William F.
Published: May 2015

Engagement quality review (EQR) is designed to be a quality control mechanism for improving the quality of audit engagements. This paper updates the findings of Messier, Kozloski, and Kochetova-Kozloski (2010) on enforcement actions against engagement quality (EQ) reviewers, especially in light of the December 2009 implementation of the new standard on engagement quality review, Auditing Standard No. 7 (AS7). We identified 16 enforcement actions since 2009 that involve some type of sanction against an EQ reviewer. Only two cases involved a Big 4 firm. Thus, the vast majority of cases involved EQRs from smaller public accounting firms. Six cases occurred prior to the implementation of AS7, nine cases occurred after AS7 took effect, and one case involved violations both prior to and after AS7 implementation. All of the pre-AS7 cases involved sanctions resulting from an inadequate EQR. In contrast, all of the post-AS7 cases involved sanctions resulting from a failure to perform an EQR. Our review of these post-AS7 cases suggests that some small firms were either unable or unwilling to bring in qualified outside reviewers. Our findings provide important implications for practitioners, regulators, and researchers interested in engagement quality review and in improving the overall quality of audit engagements.

Data Availability: The cases included in this study are available from public sources.
Is PCAOB Standard No. 5 Impairing Auditor Objectivity?
Authors: Brody Richard G. , Haynes Christine M. , White Craig G.
Published: May 2015

Auditing Standard No. 5 (AS5) urges external auditors to rely on the work of internal auditors when auditing internal controls over financial reporting. Although relying on the work of internal auditors may enhance audit efficiency, this paper examines whether such reliance is achieved at the expense of audit effectiveness. Specifically, this commentary questions whether conformity with AS5 is advisable given that changes in auditor/client relationships may have impacted internal and external auditor objectivity. Research has demonstrated that since the implementation of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 external auditor objectivity has improved, ostensibly due to a reduced conflict of interest between external auditors and their clients. Although this result has positive implications for relying on the work of internal auditors, research also shows that internal auditors' objectivity has not improved over time. Thus, in complying with AS5, external auditors may be incorporating internal auditors' biases into their own judgments. The impact and implications of this problem are discussed.
Physical Therapists as Primary Practitioners in the Emergency Department: Six-Month Prospective Practice Analysis
Authors: de Gruchy Adam , Granger Catherine , Gorelik Alexandra
Published: May 2015

Background

Increasing pressure on the emergency department (ED) throughout the world has meant the introduction of innovative ways of working. One such innovation is the advanced practice physical therapist (APP) acting as a primary contact practitioner. There has been little research into the role beyond identifying patient satisfaction with management, cost-effectiveness, and time efficiency. In order to give further support and assist in development of an APP service in the ED, an increased exploration of patient caseload demographics, resource utilization, and management outcomes is needed.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to provide quantitative data regarding patient demographics, time efficiency, resource utilization, and management outcomes to examine the APP role in the ED.

Design

This was a prospective observational study of practice.

Setting

The study was conducted in a single ED in Melbourne, Australia.

Method

Data collection was conducted over a 6-month period. Patient demographics and diagnoses, assessment times, hospital resource utilization, and discharge destinations were recorded.

Results

One thousand seventeen patients (45% female; median age=34 years, interquartile range=25–52) were managed by the APPs; 89% had conditions triaged as not serious or life threatening, and 97% had musculoskeletal pathologies, with the most common diagnosis being fracture or dislocation. Four-hour length-of-stay targets were met in 95% of the patients. Forty-six percent of the patients seen were managed independently, without any support from medical colleagues. The most frequent discharge destination was a referral back to the primary care physician or to hospital outpatient clinics. When comparing similar diagnostic groups, the APPs were significantly more time-efficient than ED physicians in their patient management.

Conclusions

This study described in detail the caseload managed by the APP in the ED and identified the role as a valuable asset to an ED, managing a great deal of their caseload independently, safely, and time efficiently.
Factors Influencing Physical Therapists' Use of Standardized Measures of Walking Capacity Poststroke Across the Care Continuum
Authors: Pattison Kira M. , Brooks Dina , Cameron Jill I. , Salbach Nancy M.
Published: May 2015

Background

The use of standardized assessment tools is an element of evidence-informed rehabilitation, but physical therapists report administering these tools inconsistently poststroke. An in-depth understanding of physical therapists' approaches to walking assessment is needed to develop strategies to advance assessment practice.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore the methods physical therapists use to evaluate walking poststroke, reasons for selecting these methods, and the use of assessment results in clinical practice.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study involving semistructured telephone interviews was conducted.

Methods

Registered physical therapists assessing a minimum of 10 people with stroke per year in Ontario, Canada, were purposively recruited from acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded line by line by the interviewer. Credibility was optimized through triangulation of analysts, audit trail, and collection of field notes.

Results

Study participants worked in acute care (n=8), rehabilitation (n=11), or outpatient (n=9) settings and reported using movement observation and standardized assessment tools to evaluate walking. When selecting methods to evaluate walking, physical therapists described being influenced by a hierarchy of factors. Factors included characteristics of the assessment tool, the therapist, the workplace, and patients, as well as influential individuals or organizations. Familiarity exerted the primary influence on adoption of a tool into a therapist's assessment repertoire, whereas patient factors commonly determined daily use. Participants reported using the results from walking assessments to communicate progress to the patient and health care professionals.

Conclusions

Multilevel factors influence physical therapists' adoption and daily administration of standardized tools to assess walking. Findings will inform knowledge translation efforts aimed at increasing the standardized assessment of walking poststroke.
Does Kinesiophobia Modify the Effects of Physical Therapy on Outcomes in Patients With Sciatica in Primary Care? Subgroup Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Verwoerd Annemieke J.H. , Luijsterburg Pim A.J. , Koes Bart W. , el Barzouhi Abdelilah , Verhagen Arianne P.
Published: May 2015

Background

A higher level of kinesiophobia appears to be associated with poor recovery in patients with sciatica.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate whether kinesiophobia modifies the effect of physical therapy on outcomes in patients with sciatica.

Design

This was a subgroup analysis from a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The study was conducted in a primary care setting.

Patients

A total of 135 patients with acute sciatica participated.

Intervention

Patients were randomly assigned to groups that received (1) physical therapy plus general practitioners' care (intervention group) or (2) general practitioners' care alone (control group).

Measurements

Kinesiophobia at baseline was measured with the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK) and a single substitute question for kinesiophobia (SQK). Pain and recovery were assessed at 3- and 12-month follow-ups. Regression analysis was used to test for interaction between the level of kinesiophobia at baseline and treatment allocation. Subgroup results were calculated for patients classified with high fear of movement and for those classified with low fear of movement.

Results

Kinesiophobia at baseline interacted with physical therapy in the analysis with leg pain intensity at 12-month follow-up. Kinesiophobia at baseline did not interact with physical therapy regarding any outcome at 3-month follow-up or recovery at 12-month follow-up. When comparing both treatment groups in the subgroup of patients with high fear of movement (n=73), the only significant result was found for leg pain intensity difference from baseline at 12-month follow-up (intervention group: X̅=−5.0, SD=2.6; control group: X̅=−3.6, SD=2.7).

Limitations

The post hoc study design and relatively small sample size were limitations of the study.

Conclusions

In 135 patients with sciatica, evidence shows that patients with a higher level of kinesiophobia at baseline may particularly benefit from physical therapy with regard to decreasing leg pain intensity at 12-month follow-up.
Movement System Impairment–Based Classification Versus General Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Azevedo Daniel Camara , Van Dillen Linda R. , Santos Henrique de Oliveira , Oliveira Daniel Ribeiro , Ferreira Paulo Henrique , Costa Leonardo Oliveira Pena
Published: May 2015

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is an important health problem in all developed countries and is associated with high levels of disability. Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines usually recommend different physical therapy interventions to manage this condition. However, those interventions usually result in small to moderate clinical effects. Recent studies suggest that interventions based on subgroup classifications may improve the effect sizes compared with rehabilitation programs where the same interventions were applied to all patients.

Objective

This study will investigate the efficacy of treatment based on a Movement System Impairment (MSI)–based classification model for patients with chronic LBP compared with general exercise. The primary outcomes will be pain intensity and disability at 2 months after randomization.

Design

The study is a 2-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial with a blinded assessor.

Setting

The study setting will be a university physical therapy clinic in Brazil.

Participants

A total of 148 individuals with chronic LBP will participate in the study.

Intervention

Included individuals will be randomly allocated to participate in an 8-week treatment program based on the MSI-based classification or a general exercise program of stretching and strengthening exercises.

Measurements

Pain intensity, disability, and global impression of recovery will be assessed by a blinded assessor at baseline and at follow-up appointments after treatment (2 months) and 4 and 6 months after randomization.

Limitations

Therapists will not be blinded.

Conclusions

The results of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the efficacy of treatments based on classification of participants with chronic LBP into subgroups.
Experiences of First-Time Mothers With Persistent Pelvic Girdle Pain After Childbirth: Descriptive Qualitative Study
Authors: Wuytack Francesca , Curtis Elizabeth , Begley Cecily
Published: May 2015

Background

Pelvic girdle pain (PGP) is common during pregnancy and negatively affects women's lives. When PGP persists after the birth, the way it affects women's lives may change, particularly for first-time mothers as they adjust to motherhood, yet the experiences of women with persistent PGP remain largely unexplored.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to explore primiparous women's experiences of persistent PGP and its impact on their lives postpartum, including caring for their infant and their parental role.

Design

This was a descriptive qualitative study.

Methods

Following institution ethical approval, 23 consenting primiparous women with PGP that had started during pregnancy and persisted for at least 3 months postpartum participated in individual interviews. These interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Four themes emerged: (1) “Putting up with the pain: coping with everyday life,” in which women put up with the pain but had to balance activities and were grateful for support from family and friends to face everyday challenges; (2) “I don't feel back to normal,” in which women's feelings of physical limitations, frustration, and a negative impact on their mood were described; (3) “Unexpected,” in which persistent symptoms were unexpected for women due to a lack of information given about PGP; and (4) “What next?,” in which the future of women's symptoms was met with great uncertainty, and they expressed worry about having another baby.

Conclusion

For first-time mothers, having persistent PGP postpartum affects their daily lives in many ways. These findings provide important information for health care providers, which will improve their understanding of these women's experiences, will enhance rapport, and can be used to provide information and address concerns to optimize maternity care during pregnancy and beyond.
Changes in glutamate receptors in dyskinetic parkinsonian monkeys after unilateral subthalamotomy
Authors: Jourdain Vincent A. , Morin Nicolas , Grégoire Laurent , Morissette Marc , Di Paolo Thérèse
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Unilateral subthalamotomy is a surgical procedure that may be used to alleviate disabling levodopa-induced dyskinesias (LIDs) in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). However, the mechanisms involved in LID remain largely unknown. The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is the sole glutamatergic nucleus within the basal ganglia, and its lesion may produce changes in glutamate receptors in various areas of the basal ganglia. The authors aimed to investigate the biochemical changes in glutamate receptors in striatal and pallidal regions of the basal ganglia after lesion of the STN in parkinsonian macaque monkeys.

METHODS

The authors treated 12 female ovariectomized monkeys with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) to induce PD-like symptoms, treated 8 of these animals with 3,4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (L-DOPA; levodopa) to induce LID, and performed unilateral subthalamotomy in 4 of these 8 monkeys. Four additional monkeys were treated with saline only and were used as controls. The MPTP monkeys had previously been shown to respond behaviorally to lower doses of levodopa after the STN lesion. Autoradiography of slices from postmortem brain tissues was used to visualize changes in the specific binding of striatal and pallidal ionotropic glutamate receptors (that is, of the α-amino-3-hydroxy 5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate [AMPA] and N-methyl-d-aspartate [NMDA] NR1/NR2B subunit receptors) and of metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors (that is, mGlu2/3 and mGlu5 receptors). The specific binding and distribution of glutamate receptors in the basal ganglia of the levodopa-treated, STN-lesioned MPTP monkeys were compared with those in the saline-treated control monkeys and in the saline-treated and levodopa-treated MPTP monkeys.

RESULTS

The autoradiographic results indicated that none of the pharmacological and surgical treatments produced changes in the specific binding of AMPA receptors in the basal ganglia. Levodopa treatment increased the specific binding of NMDA receptors in the basal ganglia. Subthalamotomy reversed these increases in the striatum, but in the globus pallidus (GP), the subthalamotomy reversed these increases only contralaterally. Levodopa treatment reversed MPTP-induced increases in mGlu2/3 receptors only in the GP. mGlu2/3 receptor–specific binding in the striatum and GP decreased bilaterally in the levodopa-treated, STN-lesioned MPTP monkeys compared with the other 3 groups. Compared with mGlu5 receptor–specific binding in the control monkeys, that of the levodopa-treated MPTP monkeys increased in the dorsal putamen and remained unchanged in the caudate nucleus and in the GP.

CONCLUSIONS

These results implicate glutamate receptors in the previously observed benefits of unilateral subthalamotomy to improve motor control.
A prospective natural history study of nonoperatively managed Chiari I malformation: does follow-up MRI surveillance alter surgical decision making?
Authors: Whitson Wesley J. , Lane Jessica R. , Bauer David F. , Durham Susan R.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) in children is a common incidental finding. Resolution of cerebellar tonsil ectopia has been reported, but no studies have followed tonsil position over regular intervals throughout childhood. To better elucidate the clinical and radiological natural history of CM-I in children, the authors prospectively followed up children with nonoperatively managed CM-I for up to 7 years.

METHODS

The study included all children evaluated for CM-I over a period of 12 years for whom surgery was not initially recommended. The study excluded patients with associated conditions, including syringomyelia and hydrocephalus. For all patients, initial management was nonoperative, and follow-up management consisted of annual cervical spine or brain MRI and clinical examination. At each follow-up examination, the neurological examination findings, subjective symptoms, and the position of the cerebellar tonsils on MR images were recorded. An alteration in tonsillar descent of 2 mm or greater was considered a change.

RESULTS

Neurological examination findings did not change over the course of the study in the 52 children who met the inclusion criteria. Although radiological changes were common, no surgeries were performed solely because of radiological change. Overall, tonsil position on radiological images remained stable in 50% of patients, was reduced in 38%, and increased in 12%. Resolution was seen in 12% of patients. Radiological changes in tonsil position were seen during every year of follow-up. On average, in any given year, 24% of images showed some form of change in tonsil position. A total of 3 patients, for whom no changes were seen on MR images, ultimately underwent surgery for subjective clinical reasons.

CONCLUSIONS

CM-I in children is not a radiologically static entity but rather is a dynamic one. Radiological changes were seen throughout the 7 years of follow-up. A reduction in tonsillar descent was substantially more common than an increase. Radiological changes did not correlate with neurological examination finding changes, symptom development, or the need for future surgery. Follow-up imaging of asymptomatic children with CM-I did not alter treatment for any patient. It would be reasonable to follow these children with clinical examinations but without regular surveillance MRI.
Outcomes after suboccipital decompression without dural opening in children with Chiari malformation Type I
Authors: Kennedy Benjamin C. , Kelly Kathleen M. , Phan Michelle Q. , Bruce Samuel S. , McDowell Michael M. , Anderson Richard C. E. , Feldstein Neil A.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Symptomatic pediatric Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is most often treated with posterior fossa decompression (PFD), but controversy exists over whether the dura needs to be opened during PFD. While dural opening as a part of PFD has been suggested to result in a higher rate of resolution of CM symptoms, it has also been shown to lead to more frequent complications. In this paper, the authors present the largest reported series of outcomes after PFD without dural opening surgery, as well as identify risk factors for recurrence.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective review of 156 consecutive pediatric patients in whom the senior authors performed PFD without dural opening from 2003 to 2013. Patient demographics, clinical symptoms and signs, radiographic findings, intraoperative ultrasound results, and neuromonitoring findings were reviewed. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to determine risk factors for recurrence of symptoms and the need for reoperation.

RESULTS

Over 90% of patients had a good clinical outcome, with improvement or resolution of their symptoms at last follow-up (mean 32 months). There were no major complications. The mean length of hospital stay was 2.0 days. In a multivariate regression model, partial C-2 laminectomy was an independent risk factor associated with reoperation (p = 0.037). Motor weakness on presentation was also associated with reoperation but only with trend-level significance (p = 0.075). No patient with < 8 mm of tonsillar herniation required reoperation.

CONCLUSIONS

The vast majority (> 90%) of children with symptomatic CM-I will have improvement or resolution of symptoms after a PFD without dural opening. A non–dural opening approach avoids major complications. While no patient with tonsillar herniation < 8 mm required reoperation, children with tonsillar herniation at or below C-2 have a higher risk for failure when this approach is used.
Enzyme replacement therapy for congenital hypophosphatasia allows for surgical treatment of related complex craniosynostosis: a case series
Authors: Kosnik-Infinger Libby , Gendron Craig , Gordon Christopher B. , Pan Brian S. , van Aalst John A. , Vogel Timothy W.
Published: May 2015

Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is a rare inherited disorder of bone metabolism that results in the loss of function of the gene coding for tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP). Patients with HPP have defective bone mineralization as well as craniosynostosis that can be seen in the infantile and childhood forms of this disease. Traditionally, HPP has had a poor prognosis, with few children surviving to exhibit the phenotype of clinical craniosynostosis that requires surgical intervention. Here, the authors report on new advancements in enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for children affected by HPP, allowing these patients to survive and undergo surgery to address complex craniosynostosis. The authors discuss their case series of 4 HPP patients treated at their institution with ERT who have undergone successful surgical intervention for craniosynostosis. These children had no complications related to their surgeries and exhibited decreased neurological symptoms following cranial vault remodeling. This study reveals that ERT administered either pre- or post- operatively paired with cranial vault remodeling strategies can yield improved neurological outcomes in children affected by HPP.
The influence of surgical correction on white matter microstructural integrity in rabbits with familial coronal suture craniosynostosis
Authors: Bonfield Christopher M. , Foley Lesley M. , Kundu Shinjini , Fellows-Mayle Wendy , Hitchens T. Kevin , Rohde Gustavo K. , Grandhi Ramesh , Mooney Mark P.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Craniosynostosis is a condition in which one or more of the calvarial sutures fuses prematurely. In addition to the cosmetic ramifications attributable to premature suture fusion, aberrations in neurophysiological parameters are seen, which may result in more significant damage. This work examines the microstructural integrity of white matter, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in a homogeneous strain of rabbits with simple, familial coronal suture synostosis before and after surgical correction.

METHODS

After diagnosis, rabbits were assigned to different groups: wild-type (WT), rabbits with early-onset complete fusion of the coronal suture (BC), and rabbits that had undergone surgical correction with suturectomy (BC-SU) at 10 days of age. Fixed rabbit heads were imaged at 12, 25, or 42 days of life using a 4.7-T, 40-cm bore Avance scanner with a 7.2-cm radiofrequency coil. For DTI, a 3D spin echo sequence was used with a diffusion gradient (b = 2000 sec/mm2) applied in 6 directions.

RESULTS

As age increased from 12 to 42 days, the DTI differences between WT and BC groups became more pronounced (p < 0.05, 1-way ANOVA), especially in the corpus callosum, cingulum, and fimbriae. Suturectomy resulted in rabbits with no significant differences compared with WT animals, as assessed by DTI of white matter tracts. Also, it was possible to predict to which group an animal belonged (WT, BC, and BC-SU) with high accuracy based on imaging data alone using a linear support vector machine classifier. The ability to predict to which group the animal belonged improved as the age of the animal increased (71% accurate at 12 days and 100% accurate at 42 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Craniosynostosis results in characteristic changes of major white matter tracts, with differences becoming more apparent as the age of the rabbits increases. Early suturectomy (at 10 days of life) appears to mitigate these differences.
Insights into the development of molecular therapies for craniosynostosis
Authors: Kosty Jennifer , Vogel Timothy W.
Published: May 2015

For the past 2 decades, clinical and basic science researchers have gained significant insights into the molecular and genetic pathways associated with common forms of craniosynostosis. This has led to invaluable information for families and physicians in their attempts to understand the heterogeneity of craniosynostosis. Genetic mutations have been identified in the fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) as well as in other targets, including TWIST1, BMP, and RUNX2. Greater understanding of these and other pathways has led to the development of innovative approaches for applying medical therapies to the treatment of craniosynostosis, in particular by maintaining suture patency. In this article, the authors discuss the molecular pathophysiological mechanisms underlying various forms of craniosynostosis. They also highlight recent developments in the field of molecular craniosynostosis research with the hope of identifying targets for medical therapies that might augment the results of surgical intervention.
Spring-mediated sagittal craniosynostosis treatment at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia: technical notes and literature review
Authors: Arko Leopold , Swanson Jordan W. , Fierst Tamara M. , Henn Rosemary E. , Chang Daniel , Storm Phillip B. , Bartlett Scott P. , Taylor Jesse A. , Heuer Gregory G.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Sagittal craniosynostosis has been treated using both cranial remodeling techniques and modification of the sagittal strip craniectomy. A more recent technique is to implant springs in conjunction with a suturectomy to transversely expand the parietal bones to accommodate the growing brain. In this paper the authors describe and evaluate several modifications to the spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) technique, most notably use of an ultrasonic scalpel to limit dural dissection and maximize opening of the stenosed suture by placement of multiple spring devices. In addition, the literature is reviewed comparing SMC to other surgical treatments of sagittal synostosis.

METHODS

The authors retrospectively reviewed patients who presented to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with a diagnosis of sagittal synostosis from August 2011 to November 2014. A pooled data set was created to compare our institutional data to previously published work. A comprehensive literature review was performed of all previous studies describing the SMC technique, as well as other techniques for sagittal synostosis correction.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients underwent SMC at our institution during the study period. Patients were 4.2 months of age on average, had a mean blood loss of 56.3 ml, and average intensive care unit and total hospital stays of 29.5 hours and 2.2 days, respectively. The cranial index was corrected to an average of 73.7 (SD 5.2) for patients who received long-term radiological follow-up. When comparing the authors’ institutional data to pooled SMC data, blood loss and length of stay were both significantly less (p = 0.005 and p < 0.001, respectively), but the preoperative cranial index was significantly larger (p = 0.01). A review of the SMC technique compared with other techniques to actively expand the skull of patients with sagittal synostosis demonstrated that SMC can be performed at a significantly earlier age compared with cranial vault reconstruction (CVR).

CONCLUSIONS

The authors found that their institutional modifications of the SMC technique were safe and effective in correcting the cranial index. In addition, this technique can be performed at a younger age than CVRs. SMC, therefore, has the potential to maximize the cognitive benefits of early intervention, with lower morbidity than the traditional CVR.
Posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus approach for microsurgical resection of periatrial lesions: indications, technique, and outcomes
Authors: Bohnstedt Bradley N. , Kulwin Charles G. , Shah Mitesh V. , Cohen-Gadol Aaron A.
Published: May 2015

OBJECT

Surgical exposure of the peritrigonal or periatrial region has been challenging due to the depth of the region and overlying important functional cortices and white matter tracts. The authors demonstrate the operative feasibility of a contralateral posterior interhemispheric transfalcine transprecuneus approach (PITTA) to this region and present a series of patients treated via this operative route.

METHODS

Fourteen consecutive patients underwent the PITTA and were included in this study. Pre- and postoperative clinical and radiological data points were retrospectively collected. Complications and extent of resection were reviewed.

RESULTS

The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 39 years (range 11–64 years). Six of the 14 patients were female. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.6 months (range 0.5–19.6 months). Pathology included 6 arteriovenous malformations, 4 gliomas, 2 meningiomas, 1 metastatic lesion, and 1 gray matter heterotopia. Based on the results shown on postoperative MRI, 1 lesion (7%) was intentionally subtotally resected, but ≥ 95% resection was achieved in all others (93%) and gross-total resection was accomplished in 7 (54%) of 13. One patient (7%) experienced a temporary approach-related complication. At last follow-up, 1 patient (7%) had died due to complications of his underlying malignancy unrelated to his cranial surgery, 2 (14%) demonstrated a Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) score of 4, and 11 (79%) manifested a GOS score of 5.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this patient series, the contralateral PITTA potentially offers numerous advantages, including a wider, safer operative corridor, minimal need for ipsilateral brain manipulation, and better intraoperative navigation and working angles.
Fisetin induces G2/M phase cell cycle arrest by inactivating cdc25C-cdc2 via ATM-Chk1/2 activation in human endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Wang Zan-Ying , Liu Wen-Qiong , Wang Si’e , Wei Zeng-Tao
Published: May 2015

Endometrial cancer is one of the most prevalent gynaecological malignancies where, currently available therapeutic options remain limited. Recently phytochemicals are exploited for their efficiency in cancer therapy. The present study investigates the anti-proliferative effect of fisetin, a flavonoid on human endometrial cancer cells (KLE and Hec1 A). Fisetin (20-100 µM) effectively reduced the viability of Hec1 A and KLE cells and potentially altered the cell population at G2/M stage. Expression levels of the cell cycle proteins (cyclin B1, p-Cdc2, p-Cdc25C, p-Chk1, Chk2, p-ATM, cyclin B1, H2AX, p21 and p27) were analyzed. Fisetin suppressed cyclin B1 expression and caused inactiva-tion of Cdc25C and Cdc2 by increasing their phosphorylation levels and further activated ATM, Chk1 and Chk2. Increased levels of p21 and p27 were observed as well. These results suggest that fisetin induced G2/M cell cycle arrest via inactivating Cdc25c and Cdc2 through activation of ATM, Chk1 and Chk2.

 

 
Synthesis of 4-aminoantipyrine derived Schiff bases and their evaluation for antibacterial, cytotoxic and free radical scavenging activity
Authors: Shoaib Mohammad , Rahman Ghawsur , Ali Shah Syed Wadood , Umar Mohammad Naveed
Published: May 2015

The work was aimed to synthesize 4-Aminoantipyrine derived Schiff bases in economical way and to screen it for study the effect of nitro group on its antibacterial potential, conduct antitumor preliminary study, the effects of group presence in benzylidene phenyl ring on the cytotoxic potentials and study the effects of electron withdrawing and donating group on antioxidant potential. We used green method with 75% reduction in general synthesis time of Schiff bases. Synthesized compound possess antibacterial potentials and nitro group presence enhances this potential. G2, G3, G4, G5, G6, G7 and G8 have significant cytotoxic and no significant antioxidant activity.
Antibacterial mode of action of Ginkgo biloba leaf essential oil: Effect on morphology and membrane permeability
Authors: Bajpai Vivek K. , Sharma Ajay , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: May 2015

This study was aimed to evaluate antimicrobial mode of action of Ginkgo biloba leaf essential oil against foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Gas-chromatography and mass-spectrometric analysis determined 34 different compounds, representing 95.45% of the total oil. The G. biloba leaf essential oil (1,000 µg/disc) showed potential antibacterial effect as diameters of inhibition zones (12.0 ± 0.4-18.0 ± 1.2 mm) along with minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentration values ranging of 250-1,000 µg/mL. Also the G. biloba leaf essential oil had potential inhibitory effect on the cell viability of the tested pathogens. The scanning electron microscopic analysis using G. biloba leaf essential oil showed considerable morphological alterations on the cell wall of tested pathogens. The oil revealed its mode of action on membrane integrity as confirmed by release of extracellular ATP, increase of 260-nm absorbing materials and increased leakage of potassium ions against foodborne pathogenic bacteria.  

 
Resveratrol inhibits cadmium induced neuronal apoptosis by modulating calcium signalling pathway via regulation of MAPK/mTOR network
Authors: Lin Feng , Peng Yu-Hua , Yang Qing-He , Mi Xiu-Ju
Published: May 2015

Cadmium, a toxic environmental contaminant, induces oxidative stress leading to various neurodegenerative disorders, where it interferes with homeos-tasis of intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i), leading to cellular damage and apoptosis. We investigated whether resveratrol, a plant-derived antioxidant could offer protection against cadmium-induced neuroapoptosis. Primary cortical neurons were exposed to cadmium (10 or 20 µM) with/without prior exposure to resveratrol (5, 10 or 20 µM) for 12 hours and unexposed cells served as control. Resveratrol caused marked reduction in cadmium-induced neuronal apoptosis and down-regulated caspase-3 expressions. Cadmium-induced marked elevations in reactive oxygen species, and ([Ca2+]i) levels were potentially reduced by resveratrol. Resveratrol effectively regulated the alterations observed in the activation levels of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and proteins of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways. Thus, resveratrol effectively protected the cortical neurons exposed to cadmium by modulating the ([Ca2+]i) levels and regulating the MAPK/mTOR pathways.

 
A novel retinoic acid chalcone reverses epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Zhong Jian , Hou Jian-Quan
Published: May 2015

The present study was performed to investigate the effect of retinoic acid fluoro chalcone (RAFC) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PC3 and CWR22rv1 prostate cell lines. Lipo-polysaccharide (LPS) was used to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition in prostate carcinoma cell lines. The results revealed that treatment of PC3 and CWR22rv1 cells with LPS resulted in significant changes in the morphological features of the EMT. The mesenchymal marker, vimentin expression was significantly increased whereas the expression level of E‑cadherin was markedly decreased after the treatment. We also observed increased cell motility and higher level of transcription factor glioma‑associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1) expression on LPS treatment. Treatment of prostate cells with RAFC reversed the morphological changes induced by LPS in prostate cells. RAFC also reduced the expression of EMT markers induced by LPS and suppressed the Gli1 expression. The resultant effect of these changes was the suppression of motility and invasiveness of the prostrate cells. Thus, RAFC exhibited anti‑invasive effect on prostrate cells by inhibition of the EMT process via Hedgehog signaling pathway.

 
Effect of N and Cu Doping on Structure, Surface Morphology and Photoluminescence Properties of ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Liton M. N. , Khan K. R. , Rahman M. M. , Islam M. M.
Published: May 2015

Thin films of ZnO, ZnO:Cu, ZnO:N and ZnO:(Cu,N) have been deposited on glass substrate at temperature 350ºC by low cost spray pyrolysis (SP) technique at an ambient atmosphere. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study revealed that the films are of mono-phasic polycrystalline in nature having wurtzite ZnO crystal structure. The preferential orientation of un-doped ZnO films is in the (002) plane which changes to (101) for N and Cu mono-doped and (Cu, N) co-doped ZnO films. Surface morphology studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) clearly shows the formation of rock shaped nanostructures and hexagonal crystalline grains. The atomic force microscopy (AFM) study revealed the formation of crystalline grains perpendicular to the surface and reduction of surface roughness with doping. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the un-doped and doped ZnO samples show well defined transitions of the near band edge (NBE) and deep level (DLE) emissions emerged from different defect states present in the films.
Applicability of Gum Karaya in the Preparation and in Vitro Evaluation of Losartan Potassium as Chronotherapeutic Drug Delivery System
Authors: Latha K. , Srikanth V. V. , Sunil S. A. , Srinivasa N. R. , Uhumwangho M. U. , Shaik N. B. , Murthy K. V. R.
Published: May 2015

The objective of this investigation is to study the applicability of gum karaya, the natural gum for the preparation and in vitro evaluation of losartan potassium, as Chronotherapeutic Drug Delivery System (ChDDS). The compression-coated timed-release tablets (CCT) containing losartan potassium in the core tablet were prepared by dry coating technique with different ratios of gum karaya as the outer coat. The parameters investigated were tensile strength, friability, in vitro dissolution studies and drug concentration. The optimized formulation was further characterized by powder XRD and FTIR to investigate interactions and no interactions observed. The tensile strength and friability of all the CCT were between 1.06-1.23 MN/m2 and < 0.3% respectively.  All the CCT showed a clear lag time before a burst release of drug. However, the lag time of drug release increased as the amount of gum karaya in the outer layer increased. For instance, the lag time of LGK1, LGK2, LGK3, LGK4, LGK5, LGK6 and LGK7 were 16, 10.5, 5.5, 3, 2, 1.5 and 0.5 hrs respectively.  The drug content of all the CCT was >98%. Formulation LGK3 was taken as an optimized formulation which can be exploited to achieve ChDDS of losartan potassium for the treatment of hypertension.
Study of Gross Alpha and Gross Beta Radioactivity in Environmental Samples
Authors: Ferdous J. , Biswas S. , Begum A. , Ferdous N.
Published: May 2015

The main objective of this study is to determine the Gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity in environmental sample. Thirty samples of soil, water and vegetable were randomly collected from the different locations of Bheramara and Ishwardi near the proposed Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant area, Kushtia and Pabna, Bangladesh. The Gross Alpha activity under investigation ranges from  1.13 to 5.66 Bq kg-1 with an average of 2.78±0.16 Bq kg-1 for soil sample, 0.45 to 1.36 mBq L-1 with an average of  0.91± 0.18 mBq L-1 for water sample, and 0.23 to 1.81 Bq kg-1 with an average of 1.0 ±0.11 Bq kg-1 for vegetable sample. The Gross Beta activity under investigation ranges from 30.74 to 132 Bq kg-1 with an average of 71.85±1.99 Bq kg-1 for soil sample, 61.49  to  279 mBq L-1 with an average of 175 ±4.02 mBq L-1 for water sample, and 305 to 1676 Bq kg-1 with an average of  930 ±3.27 Bq kg-1 for vegetable sample. This study will help to prepare baseline data for gross alpha and gross beta radioactivity in environmental sample which will be used as finger print for the comparison of radioactivity level.
Small bite, big threat
Authors: Yasmeen BH Nazma
Published: May 2015

Abstract not availableNorthern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 4-5
Risk factors which affect the change of antibiotics in neonatal pneumonia observed in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Islam Mirza Md Ziaul , Hossain M Monir , Mamun Md Abdullah Al , Mahmud Salahuddin , Yasmeen BH Nazma
Published: May 2015

Background : Neonatal pneumonia accounts for significant morbidity and mortality specially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Perhaps because of its etiologic complexity, pneumomia in neonates has been relatively refractory to reduce its severity and improve the prognosis. Re- evaluation of the antibiotic therapy is necessary in patients to have at 48 hours after diagnosis. Physician should suspect inappropriate antibiotic therapy in cases with persistence of symptoms.Objective: This study was carried out to find the risk factors (clinical and laboratory parameters) which affect the change of antibiotic in neonatal pneumonia and its effect on morbidity and mortality .Methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu (children) Hospital from July 2009 to June 2010. A total of 115 neonates who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study. The neonates were managed using a standard protocol. They were closely followed up to see the outcome with the change in antibiotics.Results : Total 115 neonates were admitted with mean age 16.2±5.9 days, mean weight 2857.6±580.6gm,58% were male & 42% female,26% were preterm & 74% were term and majority of them (73%) were from rural areas. Among the neonates, 36 (31,3%) needed a change in antibiotics. Fever, positive CRP, low O2 saturation, low PaO2 , high alveolar-arterial O2 gradient, low arterial-alveloar O2 tension and low pH were significantly associated with change in antibiotics.Conclusion : Addressing the clinical and laboratory parameters appropriately the change in antibiotic in selected cases can reduce both morbidity and mortality of neonates with pneumonia.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 21-24
Utilization of antenatal care services in a selected rural area in Bangladesh
Authors: Begum Nasreen , Rahman Mumtaz , Rahman Md Mahbubar , Nayan Shafia Khatun , Zinia Sumsun Nahar , Khan Sharmin Zaman
Published: May 2015

Background : Antenatal care, the care that a woman receives during pregnancy, helps to ensure healthy outcomes for mother and newborns. Utilization of antenatal care services is the basic component of maternal care on which the life of mothers and babies depend.Objectives : To find out the utilization of antenatal care services in a selected rural area in Bangladesh.Methodology : Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January to June 2014 A total 199 married women of reproductive age who had a live baby below 5years of age, were selected purposively from village Islampur in Dhamrai Upzilla under Dhaka district. Data were collected by face to face interview using a pre-tested structured questionnaire.Result : The study revealed that 94.97% utilized ANC services among them 44.72% visited for ANC more than 4 times, 20.10% for 4 times and 30.15% less than 4 times during pregnancy. Health care centre was within walking distance. Most of them were young women aged between 23-27 years (45.72%) and 18-22 years (36.18%). Majority (33.16%) was educated up to secondary level but 83.42% were house wife. Economic status was lower economic group. Half of the respondents (52%) took ANC on their own and permission of husband and 95.97% received special care from their family during pregnancy. For birth planning 86.83% planned health provider to conduct delivery and 71.36% wanted hospital delivery. Majority (97.98%) took birth preparedness during pregnancy and 55% received antenatal care from qualified doctor. About 87% found them available on duty and good behavior was found by 70.90% respondents. Information about danger signs during pregnancy were received by 77.89% of the respondents.Conclusion : Utilization of Antenatal care service was higher in the study area. Most of the mothers had idea about benefit of ANC. Mother's education, family support, behaviour, availability of health care service provider and distance of health centre influence higher utilization. Therefore, to strengthen and intensify the ANC service at all level of health care delivery throughout the country is necessary for sustainability and targeting suboptimum ANC utilization group.Northern International Medical College Journal Vol.6(1) 2014: 25-28