bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of antihypertensive Drug Utilization among the Cardiologists of Bangladesh in Initiating Hypertension Treatment
Authors: Majumder AAS
Published: April 2012

Background: Cardiologists play the major role in the management of hypertension in Bangladesh. Different classes of antihypertensive drugs are being used by the cardiologists in initiating hypertension treatment depending on the age and gender of the patient, severity of hypertension and associated diseases. However, there is no particular study to evaluate the patterns of the utilization of these antihypertensive drugs. Again, it is very important to use the right antihypertensive drug for the right patient to move further ahead in the management of hypertension. Hence, the current use of antihypertensive drugs in initiating hypertension treatment was analyzed. Methods: This was a nationwide survey with a participation of 196 cardiologists. Individual opinions from these cardiologists were collected through a questionnaire asking which antihypertensive they use most in initiating hypertension treatment. Collected data were analyzed by SPSS 17 software. Results: ACEI mono-therapy is the mostly used antihypertensive drug class for male patients aged < 55 years having mild to moderate hypertension. CCB mono-therapy is the mostly used antihypertensive drug class for female patients aged < 55 years having mild to moderate hypertension. CCB mono-therapy is also the mostly used antihypertensive drug class for both male and female patients aged e 55 years having mild to moderate hypertension. For severe hypertensive patients aged < 55 years, the mostly used antihypertensive drugs are combinations of ACEI+CCB+D for both male and females. For severe hypertensive patients aged e 55 years, the mostly used antihypertensive drugs are combinations of ACEI+CCB+D for males and combinations of CCB+BB for females. However, the overall pattern of using antihypertensive drugs did not significantly vary between male and female patients. Conclusion: The pattern of using antihypertensive drugs varies depending on age and gender of the patient and on the severity of hypertension. But, the overall pattern of using antihypertensive drugs did not significantly vary between male and female patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10454 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 114-119
Detection of Coronary Artery Diseases: Comparative Study of Multidetector Computed Tomography Angiogram (64 slice scanner) and Conventional Angiogram
Authors: Shirin M , Azad SA , Rahman M , Dina S , Karim E , Hossain A , Ullah M
Published: April 2012

Background: Multislice computed tomography (MDCT) is a promising noninvasive method of detecting coronary artery disease. It is not yet being widely used in Bangladesh. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the of 64 slice CT in detecting CAD with reference to conventional coronary angiography. Methods: It was cross sectional comparative study conducted in National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University. Total 80 patients were included in the study who underwent MDCT and coronary angiogram. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy or efficacy for single vessel disease were 87.5%, 96.4%, 91.3%, 94.7% and 93.75% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy or efficacy for double vessel disease were 84.0%, 94.5%, 87.5%, 92.85% and 91.25% respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy or efficacy for triple vessel disease were 69.5%, 91.22%, 76.19%, 88.13% and 85.0% respectively. Conclusion: Coronary angiography is a promising technology that already appears to have high performance to assess patient base, vessel base and segment base sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy in detecting coronary artery stenosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10455 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 120-126
Echocardiographic Evaluation of Left Ventricular Diastolic Function after Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mandal AK , Chowdhury AHK , Choudhury AK , Islam AKM Monwarul , Guha B
Published: April 2012

Background: Although percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is an excellent therapy for coronary artery disease, there is a paucity of information on the efficacy of PCI in improving diastolic function, especially in Bangladesh. Because of the high prevalence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in coronary artery disease patients and its probable progression to heart failure, an evaluation of the role of PCI in improving diastolic function is required. Objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of percutaneous coronary intervention on left ventricular diastolic dysfunction by Doppler echocardiography in patients with coronary artery disease. Methods: One hundred patients scheduled for elective PCI were enrolled in this study whose left ventricular systolic ejection fraction was normal or only mildly abnormal. Before PCI and 48 hours after PCI, echocardiography was done to evaluate the indices of LV diastolic function in these patients. Results: The mean age of the patients was 52 ± 8.6 years, and 90 patients were male. All had mild to moderate degree of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction. Mitral E wave velocity (58.8 cm/s ± 11.8 before treatment versus 78.1 cm/s ± 13.9, 48 hours after treatment), the peak velocity of late filling due to atrial contraction (mitral A wave velocity) (76.6 cm/s± 13.5 before treatment vs. 67.7cm/s ± 15.2 , 48 hours after treatment) , E/A ratio (0.81± 0.25 before treatment vs. 1.2 ± 0.31 , 48 hours after treatment) showed improvement after PCI. After PCI deceleration time (DT) decreased (245.6msec ±41.6 before treatment versus 175.5msec ± 31.9, 48 hours after treatment), and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). It is notable that early diastolic mitral annular velocity (E2 ) improved significantly 48 hours after PCI (5.9cm/s ± 1.7 before treatment vs 7.9 cm/s ±1.6, 48 hours after treatment, p < 0.001). E/ E2 ratio showed significant change 48 hours after PCI; it was statistically significant (10.5±2.8 before treatment vs 9.9 ± 2.4, 48 hours after treatment p<0.001). Conclusion: Improvement in some indices of left ventricular diastolic function after PCI indicates that PCI can be an effective treatment modality for impaired diastolic function in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10456 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 127-131
Clinical Outcome and Echocardiographic Evaluation of Inferior Myocardial Infarction with Right Ventricular Involvement
Authors: Guha B , Majumder AAS , Chowdhury MNA , Hossain MM , Mandal AK
Published: April 2012

Background : Acute right ventricular myocardial infarction complicates inferior wall myocardial infarction with an incidence of 14-84%. ECG is the cornerstone in initial diagnosis as it is cost effective and done easily. Echocardiographic analysis of the right ventricular involvement can shed light on the severity of the disease. Hence we aimed to study right ventricular infarction in acute inferior wall myocardial infarction using right precordial lead as well as echocardiography. Methods: Present study is based on the analysis of 100 patients admitted to Coronary care unit of the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases & Hospital during July 2010 to June 2011, with acute inferior wall myocardial infarction. 12 lead ECG with thorough physical examination was done along with right precordial mapping. ST ³ 1mm in V4R was initial diagnostic of right ventricular involvement followed by echocardiographic assessment of RV and LV within 24 hours. Results: A total of 50 patients showed right ventricular involvement with V4R being the sensitive lead. Echocardiography showed mean RVEF of patients with 29.5 % ± 9.5 in comparison of 44.9%±12.2 without right ventricular involvement. Right ventricular involvement presented with bradycardia (40%) and hypotension, 80% Kussmauls sign, 14% with complete heart block. Mortality in right ventricular involvement was 6 times higher than without right ventricular involvement (12 %). Conclusion: Clinical signs and symptomatology are not fully diagnostic of RVI in inferior wall acute MI. ECG can diagnose (using right precordial mapping) this condition very early. Echocardiography help to assess the right ventricular function high-risk groups for aggressive management like primary PCI. Early diagnosis will help in careful monitoring and management of such cases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10457 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 132-138
Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation of Left Free Wall Accessory Pathways: Comparison Between Retrograde and Transeptal Approach
Authors: Hashem S , Hossain M , Ali MA , Choudhury AK , Masum AA
Published: April 2012

Background : This study was conducted to compare the conventional retrograde arterial approach (RAA) with the transeptal approach (TSA) for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFA) of left accessory pathways (AP). Materials and Methods: Sixty consecutive patients (44 male; mean age of 35.60 ± 11.63 years) with 60 left APs (39 overt and 21 concealed) underwent catheter ablation using the TS method (30 patients) and the RA method (30 patients) in an alternate fashion. The analysis was performed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Results : The transeptal puncture was successfully performed in 29 patients (96%). This access allowed primary success in the ablation in all the patients without any complication. When we compared this approach with the RAA there was no difference as regards the primary success (p = 0.103), fluoroscopy time (p = 0.565) and total time (p = 0.1917). Three patient in the RAA group presented a vascular complication. The TSA allowed shorter ablation times (p=0.006) and smaller number of radiofrequency applications (p = 0.042) as compared to the conventional RAA. The patients who had unsuccessful ablation in the first session in each approach underwent with the opposite technique (cross-over), with a final ablation success rate of 100%. Conclusion : The TS and RA approaches showed similar efficacy and safety for the ablation of left accessory pathways. The TSA allowed shorter ablation times and smaller number of radiofrequency applications. When the techniques were used in a complementary fashion, they increased the final efficacy of the ablation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10458 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 139-147
Pulmonary Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Moniruzzaman M , Islam MN , Alam MB , Alam ABM M , Khan MMH , Ali Z , Chowdhury AW , Chowdhury MN
Published: April 2012

Background: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) has been reported to be high among maintenance dialysis patients. There is a paucity of data on the incidence and prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in chronic kidney disease(CKD) in Bangladeshi patients. Materials and Methods: A total 70 CKD patients (male 47,female 23), who were on conservative management and maintenance hemodialysis were studied for the presence of pulmonary hypertension. The variables studied were hypertension, diabetes, duration of dialysis and the hemoglobin, serum creatinine and serum bicarbonate levels. Results: 68.6% of the patients on maintenance hemodialysis had pulmonary hypertension compared to 8.6% of the prediadysis CKD patients. 97.1% of maintenance dialysis patients had anaemia (Hb <10gm/dl) and 42.9% of patients had metabolic acidosis. Conclusion: The incidence of pulmonary hypertension was highest in the hemodialysis group. Significant Pearsons correlation was found between pulmonary arterial systolic pressure with the duration of hemodialysis, hemoglobin level, serum creatinine, blood sugar and serum bicarbonate level in maintenance hemodialysis patients DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10459 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 148-152
Comparative Study between 12 and 15 Lead Electrocardiograms for Evaluation of Acute Posterior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Wahib SMA , Islam AEMM , Haque MM , Hossain SMD , Kamal MM , Ali SY , Mahabub SMEE
Published: April 2012

Background: The ECG diagnosis of acute posterior infarction has traditionally been based on the presence of ST segment depression on the pericardial chest leads. However, such ST segment depression is neither specific nor sensitive for the diagnosis of a posterior infarction. Detection of ST segment elevation in V7- V9 in 15 lead ECG can help in early diagnosis of acute Posterior myocardial infarction. Method: Total of 100 patients Inferior myocardial infarction was evaluated by Electrocardiography in standard 12 lead and 15 lead. The patients were categorized into group I having posterior/ and or associated changes and group II having without posterior changes in ECG. Echocardiography and LVgraphy was done to evaluate the posterior wall movement. Result: For diagnosis of posterior myocardial infarction, 43.3% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity was found in 12 lead ECG, whereas in 15 lead ECG it was 80.0% sensitivity and 95.1% specificity. Conclusion: 15 Lead ECGs (including V7-V9) more sensitive than 12 lead ECGs in diagnosis of acute posterior myocardial infarction. Patient with inferior myocardial infarction or anterior ischemia developed more complications if associated with acute posterior myocardial infarction. 15 lead ECGs can routinely be used in patients with ischaemic type of chest pain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10460 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 153-163
Atrial Tachycardia: A Rare Type of Supra Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Aziz M , Ullah M , Hossain M , Ali MA
Published: April 2012

Atrial tachycardia is a relatively uncommon form of SVT. Atrial tachycardia can be observed in persons with normal heart and in those with congenital heart disease and particularly after surgery for repair or correction of congenital or valvular heart disease. Atrial tachycardia tends to be refractory to pharmacologic therapy and is therefore frequently treated with ablative therapy. If untreated, it may lead to tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy. So, atrial tachycardia needs to be discussed for recognition and appropriate management. We have gone through different journals to review the latest informations about atrial tachycardia. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10461 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 164-170
Left Atrial Myxoma in a Child: An Uncommon Presentation of a Rare Tumour in Early Age
Authors: Maruf MF , Akter T , Islam F , Chowdhury AA , Khan JH , Hassan K , Hosain SN , Ahsan NAK
Published: April 2012

Myxomas are rare tumours but are the most common benign tumours of the heart. They can arise from any heart chamber. However, they arise more frequently from the left atrium. They have rarely been described as originating in early age. A case of left atrial myxoma successfully removed using cardiopulmonary bypass in a 8-year-old child is presented. Review of the literature emphasizes the rarity and clinically aggressive behavior of this tumor in this age group. The object of this case report is to present myxoma in children and to evaluate possible differences between young and adult patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10462 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 171-173
War and the Development of Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Kamruzzaman M , Amin F , Hosain SN
Published: April 2012

Despite all the devastating effects, wars have made some very significant positive impact in the development of cardiac surgery. Heart is an organ that cannot be stopped even for a minute, there by making it very difficult for the surgeons to operate. The wars of the Twentieth Century, particularly the two Great wars produced a significant number of patients with heart injury to reach surgeons operating tables. This gave the surgeons a unique opportunity to study, operate, practice and research cardiac surgical patients. Notable names including Wilfred Bigelow, Walton Lillehei, John Gibbon, Christian Cabrol, Vasilii Kolessov and Alexander Vishnevsky all were world war veterans and utilized their wartime experience later on in the development of cardiac surgery. Had there not been the two great wars, the development of cardiac surgery would have been delayed probably by years. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i2.10463 Cardiovasc. j. 2012; 4(2): 174-178
Distribution and elimination of protein therapeutics: A review
Authors: Sutradhar Kumar Bishwajit , Khatun Sabera , Al Mamun Abdullah , Begum Mamotaz
Published: April 2012

It was 1980s when the first therapeutic protein was launched in the market. It was recombinant DNAderived insulin. Since its inception, within the worldwide pharmaceutical sector, protein therapeutics has been enjoying the fastest growth, notably for the last few years. As a result it is assumed that the treatment methodology with the conventional drug therapy will be shifted towards therapeutic proteins in near future. It made revolution in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. The major segments in protein therapeutics are monoclonal antibody, insulin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), coagulation factors etc. In this review paper we will discuss the general aspects of protein therapeutics with their advantages over small-molecule drugs, functional classification of therapeutic proteins and their uses. The pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics, especially from the distribution and elimination characteristics of therapeutic proteins will be discussed in brief with relevant examples. The major challenges and future perspectives will also be presented in short. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10433 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 01-12
Formulation development and characterization of fast disintegrating tablets of Nimesulide
Authors: Nitalikar Manoj M , Sakarkar Dinesh M
Published: April 2012

An attempt was made to prepare fast dissolving tablets of anti-inflammatory drug Nimesulide preparing by direct compression method. The superdisintegrants Cross-carmellose and Sodium starch glycolate were used in different concentrations. Twelve formulations using those superdisintegrants at different concentration levels were prepared to access their efficiency and critical concentration level. Different evaluation parameters for tablet were studied. Tablets containing Cross-carmellose showed superior organoleptic properties and excellent in-vitro drug release as compared to other formulations. It was observed that on increasing the concentration of Cross-carmellose, the rate of disintegration was increased whereas on increasing the concentration of Sodium starch glycolate the rate of disintegration was decreased. The percentage drug release was observed as 96.32% when the concentration of Cross-carmellose was increased, whereas the same was not observed on increasing the concentration of Sodium starch glycolate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10436 S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 25-28
Toxicological studies of Darvyadi Kvatha Curna using albino rats
Authors: Yasmin Dilshad , Choudhuri MSK , Uddin Riaz
Published: April 2012

Darvyadi Kvatha Curna (DVY), is an Ayurvedic preparation which is used in leucorrhoea in the rural population as a traditional medicine. This Ayurvedic preparation was administered chronically to the male and female rats to explore the toxicological characteristics of this preparation. After the administration of DVY preparation for a period of 45 days, the following biochemical parameters (protein, albumin.triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, HDL, creatinine, uric acid, urea, and bilirubin) in the plasma of both the male and female rats were determined. In the study the total protein content in the plasma was increased (2.75%) in the DVY treated male rats. The result showed no significant difference between the control and the DVY treated groups; but the p value, though was not significant yet it was noticeable (p=0.073). Interestingly, the albumin content was significantly increased (17.21%) in DVY treated male rats. In the female rats group the total protein and the albumin content in the plasma were also increased in comparison to their control groups. A statistically significant (13.46%) increase was noted only in the case of albumin. In the male rats there was a significant decrease in the Triglycerides content in the plasma. After chronic administration of the traditional medicine the triglyceride level was 31.15% decreased in male rats group. Also insignificant decrease was noted in the total Cholesterol and HDL content in the plasma with 4.12% and 1.07% decrease respectively. Besides insignificant increase was noted in the VLDL content in the plasma with 18.16% increase. But only in the case of the content of the LDL in plasma a significant decrease (12.72 % decr.) was noted. In the female rats there was a significant decrease in the Triglycerides content in the plasma. Here the test medicine also decreased the triglyceride level by 9.47% in female rats group. Also an insignificant decrease in the total Cholesterol, VLDL, LDL and HDL content in the plasma was noted with 4.12 %, 6.94 %, 2.46 % and 0.78 % decrease respectively. In the male rats there was a significant decrease (51.37 %) in the Bilirubin content in the plasma. In the female rats there was a significant increase (33.38 %) in the Bilirubin content in the plasma. There was an increase in the plasma creatinine (2.28 %) in the DVY treated male rats, though this increase was not significant, yet noticeable (p=0.072). On the contrary, a significant decrease in the urea (11.90%) content in plasma was noted. In female rats, there was a significant decrease in both the Creatinine (36.60 %) and Urea (7.72%) content in the plasma. It was observed that about 11.71% decrease in plasma uric acid content of DVY treated male rats in comparison to their control male rats which is statistically significant. It was observed that the female rats showed significant increase in the concentration of uric acid (11.68%) level in comparison to their control female rats.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10438  S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 29-34
Risk factors and trends of common cancers in Bangladesh: Outcome of hospital based case control survey conducted in Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Mohammad , Islam Rezaur Bin , Mahmood Abu Salek , Al Mamun Md Shamim , Nahar Syeda Sumsun , Sadiana Tasnim , Shahid Sanjida
Published: April 2012

The present study aimed to provide information about the common cancer types and respective predisposing risk factors among the Bangladeshi cancer patients from different cancer hospitals located in Dhaka city. A survey is conducted to establish a relationship between common cancer types and predisposing risk factors. A nationwide representative sample of 610 Bangladeshi cancer patients were asked about their medical history, life-style, eating habit and genetic risk factors in relation to cancer prevention, as a part of omnibus survey. Interviews were conducted with 610 subjects (339 men and 271 women). Among the male, the leading cancers were lung (76 patients), followed by mouth and oropharynx (66 patients), stomach (41 patients) etc. Among the female, breast cancer (64 patients) ranked the topmost position, followed by cervix (48 patients), ovary (37 patients), mouth and oropharynx (34 patients). Among 11 risk factors among men candidates, the attributable fraction of cancer causing by tobacco smoking was considered highest (68.14%), followed by betel leaf (67.55%). For most risk factors, attributable fraction responses were higher in women than in men. 14 risk factors among women cancer patients, the attributable fraction of cancer causing by viral and bacterial diseases (39.10%) was highest, followed by obesity (37.10%) and then chronic disease (37.03%) excluding food habit. Our results suggest that awareness of the attributable fraction of cancer causes in the Bangladeshi cancer patient tends to be dominated by tobacco smoking, food habit, cancer causing infection, men and women hygiene, and reproductive history among females rather than genetic factors.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10439  S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 35-41
Preparation and comparative evaluation of liquisolid compacts and solid dispersions of Valsartan
Authors: Lakshmi PK , Srinivas Ch , Kalpana B
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was to increase the solubility of a poorly water soluble BCS class II drug, valsartan. Liquisolid technology and solid dispersion by kneading method were techniques used to improve the solubility of the drug by using non-volatile solvents and some hydrophilic carriers. Liquisolid compacts were prepared by dissolving the drug in suitable non volatile solvents. The various non volatile solvents used were PG, PEG, and glycerine. The carrier coating materials play an important role in improving the solubility of the drug. The dissolution rate of the drug was increased by using propylene glycol as non-volatile solvent at 20:1 ratio of carrier to coating material. Solid dispersion by kneading method were another attempt to improve solubility the various carrier materials used were PVP K 30, PEG 6000 and mannitol, these carriers are used in various ratios to improve its solubility. The dissolution rate of drug using solid dispersion kneading method with mannitol was increased at 1:3 ratio. The DSC and FTIR studies revealed no drug excipients interactions, whereas XRD revealed the reduced crystalinity of drug, which showed enhanced solubility. From the results it was concluded that the liquisolid compacts enhanced the solubility of valsartan in comparison to traditional solid dispersion method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10440  S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 48-57
Assessment of dissolution profile of Pantoprazole tablets available in Bangladesh
Authors: Malakar Aparajita , Bokshi Bishwajit , Karmakar Utpal Kumar
Published: April 2012

The aim of the present study was to increase the solubility of a poorly water soluble BCS class II drug, valsartan. Liquisolid technology and solid dispersion by kneading method were techniques used to improve the solubility of the drug by using non-volatile solvents and some hydrophilic carriers. Liquisolid compacts were prepared by dissolving the drug in suitable non volatile solvents. The various non volatile solvents used were PG, PEG, and glycerine. The carrier coating materials play an important role in improving the solubility of the drug. The dissolution rate of the drug was increased by using propylene glycol as non-volatile solvent at 20:1 ratio of carrier to coating material. Solid dispersion by kneading method were another attempt to improve solubility the various carrier materials used were PVP K 30, PEG 6000 and mannitol, these carriers are used in various ratios to improve its solubility. The dissolution rate of drug using solid dispersion kneading method with mannitol was increased at 1:3 ratio. The DSC and FTIR studies revealed no drug excipients interactions, whereas XRD revealed the reduced crystalinity of drug, which showed enhanced solubility. From the results it was concluded that the liquisolid compacts enhanced the solubility of valsartan in comparison to traditional solid dispersion method.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10441  S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 58-62
In-vitro phytochemical and anthelmintic activity of Cocculus hirsutus Linn. and Rumex dentatus Linn.
Authors: Ashab Imran , Lina Shah Marzia Mahjabin
Published: April 2012

It was 1980s when the first therapeutic protein was launched in the market. It was recombinant DNAderived insulin. Since its inception, within the worldwide pharmaceutical sector, protein therapeutics has been enjoying the fastest growth, notably for the last few years. As a result it is assumed that the treatment methodology with the conventional drug therapy will be shifted towards therapeutic proteins in near future. It made revolution in the treatment of chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases. The major segments in protein therapeutics are monoclonal antibody, insulin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), coagulation factors etc. In this review paper we will discuss the general aspects of protein therapeutics with their advantages over small-molecule drugs, functional classification of therapeutic proteins and their uses. The pharmacokinetics of protein therapeutics, especially from the distribution and elimination characteristics of therapeutic proteins will be discussed in brief with relevant examples. The major challenges and future perspectives will also be presented in short.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjps.v4i2.10442  S. J. Pharm. Sci. 4(2) 2011: 63-65
Physical Computation as Dynamics of Form that Glues Everything Together
Authors: Dodig Crnkovic Gordana
Published: April 2012

The framework is proposed where matter can be seen as related to energy in a way structure relates to process and information relates to computation. In this scheme matter corresponds to a structure, which corresponds to information. Energy corresponds to the ability to carry out a process, which corresponds to computation. The relationship between each two complementary parts of each dichotomous pair (matter/energy, structure/process, information/computation) are analogous to the relationship between being and becoming, where being is the persistence of an existing structure while becoming is the emergence of a new structure through the process of interactions. This approach presents a unified view built on two fundamental ontological categories: Information and computation. Conceptualizing the physical world as an intricate tapestry of protoinformation networks evolving through processes of natural computation helps to make more coherent models of nature, connecting non-living and living worlds. It presents a suitable basis for incorporating current developments in understanding of biological/cognitive/social systems as generated by complexification of physicochemical processes through self-organization of molecules into dynamic adaptive complex systems by morphogenesis, adaptation and learning—all of which are understood as information processing.
MEMS-Based Boiler Operation from Low Temperature Heat Transfer and Thermal Scavenging
Authors: Thapa Suvhashis , Ogbonnaya Emmanuel , Champagne Christopher , Weiss Leland
Published: April 2012

Increasing world-wide energy use and growing population growth presents a critical need for enhanced energy efficiency and sustainability. One method to address this issue is via waste heat scavenging. In this approach, thermal energy that is normally expelled to the environment is transferred to a secondary device to produce useful power output. This paper investigates a novel MEMS-based boiler designed to operate as part of a small-scale energy scavenging system. For the first time, fabrication and operation of the boiler is presented. Boiler operation is based on capillary action that drives working fluid from surrounding reservoirs across a heated surface. Pressure is generated as working fluid transitions from liquid to vapor in an integrated steamdome. In a full system application, the steam can be made available to other MEMS-based devices to drive final power output. Capillary channels are formed from silicon substrates with 100 µm widths. Varying depths are studied that range from 57 to 170 µm. Operation of the boiler shows increasing flow-rates with increasing capillary channel depths. Maximum fluid mass transfer rates are 12.26 mg/s from 170 µm channels, an increase of 28% over 57 µm channel devices. Maximum pressures achieved during operation are 229 Pa.
Three-Dimensional Expansion of a Dynamic Programming Method for Boundary Detection and Its Application to Sequential Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Authors: Cheng Da-Chuan , Lin Jui-Teng
Published: April 2012

This study proposes a fast 3D dynamic programming expansion to find a shortest surface in a 3D matrix. This algorithm can detect boundaries in an image sequence. Using phantom image studies with added uniform distributed noise from different SNRs, the unsigned error of this proposed method is investigated. Comparing the automated results to the gold standard, the best averaged relative unsigned error of the proposed method is 0.77% (SNR = 20 dB), and its corresponding parameter values are reported. We further apply this method to detect the boundary of the real superficial femoral artery (SFA) in MRI sequences without a contrast injection. The manual tracings on the SFA boundaries are performed by well-trained experts to be the gold standard. The comparisons between the manual tracings and automated results are made on 16 MRI sequences (800 total images). The average unsigned error rate is 2.4% (SD = 2.0%). The results demonstrate that the proposed method can perform qualitatively better than the 2D dynamic programming for vessel boundary detection on MRI sequences.
Distributed Smart Device for Monitoring, Control and Management of Electric Loads in Domotic Environments
Authors: Morales Ricardo , Badesa Francisco J. , García-Aracil Nicolas , Perez-Vidal Carlos , Sabater Jose María
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a microdevice for monitoring, control and management of electric loads at home. The key idea is to compact the electronic design as much as possible in order to install it inside a Schuko socket. Moreover, the electronic Schuko socket (electronic microdevice + Schuko socket) has the feature of communicating with a central unit and with other microdevices over the existing powerlines. Using the existing power lines, the proposed device can be installed in new buildings or in old ones. The main use of this device is to monitor, control and manage electric loads to save energy and prevent accidents produced by different kind of devices (e.g., iron) used in domestic tasks. The developed smart device is based on a single phase multifunction energy meter manufactured by Analog Devices (ADE7753) to measure the consumption of electrical energy and thento transmit it using a serial interface. To provide current measurement information to the ADE7753, an ultra flat SMD open loop integrated circuit current transducer based on the Hall effect principle manufactured by Lem (FHS-40P/SP600) has been used. Moreover, each smart device has a PL-3120 smart transceiver manufactured by LonWorks to execute the user’s program, to communicate with the ADE7753 via serial interface and to transmit information to the central unit via powerline communication. Experimental results show the exactitude of the measurements made using the developed smart device.
L'assujettissement artistique de la philosophie
Authors: Talon-Hugon Carole
Published: April 2012

Après le formalisme et l’autotélisme moderniste, un bon nombre de discours sur des œuvres contemporaines assignent aujourd’hui à l’art une fonction critique : on dit que les œuvres « interrogent », « questionnent », « remettent en cause », « invitent à réfléchir » le monde, etc. Or, ce sont là des formules qui renvoient à la fondation socratique de la philosophie, Socrate étant celui qui, par l’aiguillon de ses questions, fait apparaître la fragilité de l’opinion, découvre les préjugés, défait les croyances ordinaires et les convictions non fondées en raison. Ainsi donc, après la mainmise de la philosophie sur l’art dans les grands systèmes philosophiques du XIXe siècle, nous assistons aujourd’hui à une mainmise de l’art sur ce qui constitue l’exigence de la philosophie : le questionnement critique. Il s’agira ici à la fois de comprendre la genèse historique de cette nouvelle attitude théorique, et d’évaluer sa pertinence en examinant si, et à quelles conditions, l’art peut faire sien un tel programme.
Travailleurs de l’écrit, matières de l’information
Authors: Denis Jérôme , Pontille David
Published: April 2012

Tandis que la circulation transparente de l’information est devenue un mot d’ordre des flux de données, ce texte souligne le rôle crucial du travail effectué en coulisses des réseaux de télécommunication, aussi bien en science, en droit, dans l’administration, les industries culturelles ou les innovations de service. Témoignant de la contribution des infrastructure studies à une anthropologie des connaissances, il invite à élargir la gamme des situations habituellement étudiées en soulignant trois principaux aspects : la multiplicité des formes d’invisibilité du travail, les engagements et jugements au cœur de la production des écrits, et l’hétérogènéïté des matériaux qui composent les informations produites au jour le jour au sein des infrastructures scripturales.
Trabajadores de lo escrito, materias de la información
Authors: Denis Jérôme , Pontille David
Published: April 2012

Si bien el flujo transparente de información se ha convertido en una consigna para los flujos de datos, este texto subraya el papel crucial de la labor realizada entre bastidores de las redes de telecomunicaciones, ya sea en la ciencia, el derecho, la administración, las industrias culturales o las innovaciones de servicios. Como testimonio de la contribución de los estudios de infraestructura a una antropología del conocimiento, nos invita a ampliar el abanico de situaciones habitualmente estudiadas, poniendo de relieve tres aspectos principales: la multiplicidad de formas de invisibilidad del trabajo, los compromisos y juicios en el centro de la producción de escritos, y la heterogeneidad de los materiales que componen la información producida día a día dentro de las infraestructuras escriturarias.
Partition pour mains fantômes
Authors: Grimaud Emmanuel
Published: April 2012

Cet article explore le travail de la main dans les studios d’animation et s’interroge sur le changement de régime de conception impliqué par le recours à l’ordinateur dans un domaine, le dessin animé, où la main reste l’interface privilégiée du tracé. Dans l’histoire du cinéma, les studios d’animation se sont très tôt organisés de manière tayloriste, recourant à un très grand nombre de petites mains afin de réaliser les tâches fastidieuses et répétitives du dessin. Au tournant du XXIe siècle, ces studios se sont de nouveau retrouvés à la pointe de la réflexion managériale sur le type d’organisation à adopter, dès lors que l’ordinateur permettait d’automatiser un grand nombre de tâches. En se situant principalement dans les studios de Bombay qui effectuent aujourd’hui des dessins et des animations à la chaîne pour des maisons de production venues du monde entier, l’auteur s’interroge sur la façon dont la « digitalisation » de la main s’est opérée. L’ordinateur a modifié l’organisation traditionnelle de l’activité d’animation et en particulier le partage entre les « petites mains » (celles des animateurs) et la « grande main » (celle du réalisateur), au profit d’un rapport souvent compliqué entre la main et la machine qui n’est jamais réductible à une simple relation de commande.
Traiter les appels d’urgence
Authors: Hénault-Tessier Mélanie , Dalle-Nazébi Sophie
Published: April 2012

Point de passage obligé pour accéder aux services de secours, les opérateurs des centres d’appels d’urgence traitent des centaines de demandes par jour. L’information qu’ils produisent et mettent en forme influe sur toute la chaîne des interactions, qu’il y ait urgence ou non. À travers une étude ethnographique du métier d’opérateur réalisée dans différents centres de réception des appels 15 et 18, nous explorons la fabrication et la circulation de cette information en tant qu’élément participant à la construction d’un espace commun d’action et de communication. Nous démontrons que lorsqu’un opérateur répond au téléphone, c’est tout un processus de traduction de la parole de l’usager en catégories administratives qui s’actualise à travers deux types de relation dans lesquelles sont engagés requérants, fiche de saisie de l’appel et opérateurs : la relation administrative de secours d’urgence et la relation de service. Ce processus qui a pour objectif la production décisive d’une information précise, neutre et factuelle conduit cependant, pour cette raison même, à occulter le travail effectué par les opérateurs.
Les mains dans les bases de données
Authors: Dagiral Eric , Peerbaye Ashveen
Published: April 2012

Cet article s’intéresse à la manière dont les organisations distribuées se confrontent aux effets d’invisibilité du travail, générés et maintenus au quotidien par l’usage des infrastructures informationnelles contemporaines, et en particulier des bases de données. À partir d’une ethnographie des activités de production d’informations au sein d’une organisation dédiée aux maladies rares, une approche écologique des pratiques de travail est mobilisée pour rendre compte des situations concrètes qui construisent l’invisibilité pour soi et pour autrui au sein de l’organisation et la rendent problématique. Les enjeux organisationnels et institutionnels, de légitimité et de reconnaissance qui se trouvent par là posés aux acteurs sont ensuite abordés, ainsi que les solutions qu’ils inventent pour y faire face. L’importance du travail d’articulation et son caractère hautement instrumenté, ainsi que les incessantes formes de (re)médiation sociotechnique qu’exige l’accès à la reconnaissance institutionnelle sont enfin mis en évidence.
Nos forces et celles des autres : comment en optimiser l'usage au travail?
Authors: Dubreuil Philippe , Forest Jacques , Courcy François
Published: April 2012

Résumé Nous connaissons bien nos faiblesses, car nous avons appris à leur accorder une grande attention et à investir temps et énergie pour les corriger afin d’accroître notre performance. Cet article propose plutôt aux personnes d’optimiser l’utilisation de leurs forces au travail. Nous définissons d’abord le concept de « force » et précise les éléments qui le distinguent de celui de « talent ». Ensuite, quelques croyances sur la réussite qui nuisent à l’utilisation adéquate de ses forces sont examinées sous un éclairage plus réaliste. Nous poursuivons en présentant des méthodes permettant de découvrir ses forces et des stratégies clés aidant à optimiser leur utilisation dans le contexte du travail. L’article se termine par quelques conseils visant à aider les gestionnaires à découvrir, à utiliser et à développer les forces de leurs employés.
Factors that Improve ERP Implementation Strategies in an Organization
Authors: Sankar Chetan
Published: April 2012

This paper reports the results of an exploratory research that describes the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) implementation experiences of Robert Bosch Corporation over a period of time. In this paper, the author highlights a list of factors that could improve ERP implementations such as large resource commitment to the project, adoption of corporate standards that promote process harmonization, making hard yet important decisions that are irreversible, and top management support. The major contribution of this article is in explaining why the ERP implementation experience at Robert Bosch succeeded in 2004 in contrast to its implementation experience during 1992-1999. The resulting practical implications are discussed.
Future State of Outsourcing Supply Chain Information Systems
Authors: Joo Seong-Jong , Kwon Ik-Whan G. , Won Lee Chang
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this study is to acquire knowledge that will help clarify outsourcing trends in general and an information systems utilization perspective in particular. The authors review recent studies on outsourcing and conduct a nationwide survey. The results of the survey reveal that 60 percent of the respondents are focusing on their supply chain for cost reduction and/or competitive advantages and less than half of the respondents plan to outsource supply chain processes and information systems within the next 5 years. Results also show that major reasons for outsourcing include a lack of ability to handle in house and return on assets, while the largest barrier to outsourcing is cost followed by control concern.
e-Learning in the Cloud
Authors: Sclater Niall
Published: April 2012

Elearning has grown rapidly in importance for institutions and has been largely facilitated through the “walled garden” of the virtual learning environment. Meanwhile many students are creating their own personal learning environments by combining the various Web 2.0 services they find most useful. Cloud computing offers new opportunities for institutions to provide dynamic and up-to-date Internet-based, e-learning applications while ensuring high levels of service, and compliance with institutional policies and legislation. The cloud is rapidly evolving in its architecture, the services offered and the logistics of deployment. It brings with it risks but also possibilities for learners and for educational institutions to reduce costs and enhance services. It is likely to severely disrupt the business model developed by existing vendors of VLEs who provide an integrated suite of e-learning tools, installed and maintained by the institution’s IT services department.
Communication and Education in a Virtual World
Authors: Mon Lorri
Published: April 2012

Education within Second Life frequently recapitulates the “sage on the stage” as students sit their avatars down in chairs in the virtual world and listen to or read an instructor’s lecture while watching a slideshow. This conceptual article explores alternative active learning techniques supporting independent and collaborative learning within virtual worlds. Within Second Life, educators can utilize a variety of scripted tools and objects as well as techniques of building and terra-forming to create vibrant virtual personal learning environments and learning experiences that are engaging and responsive to individual learners. Issues of embodiment in an avatar are discussed in terms of social presence, and student learning styles are considered as well as approaches to problem-based learning, games, role play, and immersive virtual world environments.
Development of an Interactive Virtual 3-D Model of the Human Testis Using the Second Life Platform
Authors: Danforth Douglas R.
Published: April 2012

One of the strengths of a virtual environment is the ability to immerse the occupant into an environment that would otherwise be impossible. The primary focus of the author’s project in Second Life is to take advantage of this opportunity to explore novel approaches to medical education. Second Life can be used to model doctor-patient interaction, clinical diagnosis skills, and three dimensional molecular and cellular modeling of objects from individual molecules to whole organ systems, both healthy and diseased. Using the powerful building and scripting tools of the Second Life platform, the author has created a model of the human testis that students can fly through and interact with to understand how the anatomy and physiology of the testis work together to regulate sperm production. The anatomical and physiological interactions occurring during these processes are described in accompanying audio and text. The development of educational tools within the Second Life context is in its infancy. As the technology matures, the opportunities for education within Second Life will continue to expand as an important adjunct to traditional pedagogical approaches.