bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma medular em região toracolombar em gato: Relato de caso
Authors: Santos Paulo Victor
Published: September 2016

This case report shows a concern with the medullary traumas that cats suffer, the issue of looking for a veterinarian late, which could affect the successful treatment. We report the case of hum thoracolumbar trauma, considered one of medullary trauma more difficult to reverse, where the feline was submitted to surgical treatment and was successful response, even with a slightly late injury.
Botulismo canino: Revisão
Authors: Marques Sandra
Published: September 2016

Botulism, described the first time in the nineteenth century, it is the causative agent Clostridium botulinum, bacillus gram positive anaerobic mandatory, endospores maker, found in soil and in many freshwater sediments. It is a neuroparalytic affection being described seven neurotoxins (A to G), the C most commonly found in small animals. In dogs, food is generally contaminated with neurotoxin type C causing blockade of acetylcholine receptors at neuromuscular junction, generally from hours to days after ingestion, causing lower motor neuron paralysis with fast weakness progressing to recumbence. The aim of this study is an update of canine botulism, as primary diagnosis or differential diagnosis in neurological, addressing since its etiology, incidence, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, treatment and prognosis.
O ROUBO DAS JÓIAS E A TRANSFICÇÃO NO FOLHETIM AS JÓIAS DA COROA
Authors: Simões Ricardo J
Published: September 2016

Artigo
FENOMENOLOGIA E INTELIGIBILIDADE DAS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS: ALGUMAS CONTRIBUIÇÕES AO DEBATE TEÓRICO
Authors: Castro Thales
Published: September 2016

Artigo
O INFELIZ SÉCULO XX E SEUS “ISMOS”
Authors: Véras Francisco
Published: September 2016

Ensaio
DEMOCRACIA E ESTADO DEMOCRÁTICO DE DIREITO
Authors: Magalhães Renato
Published: September 2016

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CONCRETIZANDO SONHOS
Authors: Japiassu Ricardo
Published: September 2016

Artigo
AS RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS COMO DISCIPLINA ACADÊMICA
Authors: Ozias Guilherme Gondin
Published: September 2016

Ensaio
NO COLÉGIO INTERNACIONAL DE TRADUTORES LITERÁRIOS DE ARLES: UMA BELA EXPERIÊNCIA
Authors: Ferreira - UFPE Luzilá Gonçalves
Published: September 2016

Ensaio
RELAÇÕES INTERNACIONAIS EM TEMPOS DE MÍDIA E A QUESTÃO DO PODER
Authors: Souto Eliezer Queiroz de
Published: September 2016

Ensaio
Professional Variability in Decision Making in Modern Dentistry: A Pilot Study
Authors: Listl S , Faggion CM , Staehle HJ
Published: September 2016

Dental treatment planning is usually expected to take account of the individual patient's clinical risks and benefits. Ideally, the therapeutic choice for each and every patient should be based on adequate clinical diagnostics and risk assessment that facilitates stabilization of the patient's clinical condition as well as prevents further oral impairment. However, identification of the most suitable approach tends to become more and more challenging as the number of therapeutic alternatives continues to increase due to medical innovation. In this study, the challenge of decision making in modern dentistry is illustrated using the example of bounded edentulous spaces. Many therapeutic alternatives exist for such clinical scenarios, including a noninvasive monitoring approach, minimally invasive tooth recontouring, orthodontic and prosthodontic treatment, and implant placement. The findings of this pilot study highlight the utmost relevance of incorporating individual patients' needs and risks into clinical treatment planning and providing appropriate guidelines.
When and How to Intervene in the Caries Process
Authors: Meyer-Lueckel H , Paris S
Published: September 2016

The decrease in caries prevalence in many industrialized countries and the improved knowledge about the etiology and pathogenesis of caries have shifted the focus of caries therapy over the past decades toward less invasive approaches. Studies on caries progression indicate that it is generally quite slow in most patients today which should lead to a reconsideration of the practice of early invasive intervention. Today noninvasive (eg, fluorides) and microinvasive (occlusal sealing, proximal infiltration) therapeutic options that address etiological factors are gaining importance. The goal of these therapies is to heal or at least to slow down the progress of the disease. Noninvasive treatments are mainly related to controlling pathogenic factors (ie, sugar consumption) and enhancing protective factors (mainly oral hygiene and fluorides). Microinvasive treatments do not rely on the compliance of the patient as much, since these treatments include a resinous material that is applied to serve as a diffusion barrier for acids formed by cariogenic bacteria in the overlying plaque. To establish a minimum intervention treatment strategy for caries, the disease must be diagnosed at an early stage. In addition to assessing caries lesions in single teeth, individual risk factors need to be identified so that the underlying causes related to patients' behavioral patterns that led to the disease can be addressed as well. The patient should be informed about the scientific evidence related to the treatment choices in a participative atmosphere. Decision trees may help to make the range of findings comprehensible and the therapeutic shared decision-making process understandable to the patients.
Criteria for the Replacement of Restorations: Academy of Operative Dentistry European Section
Authors: Wilson NHF , Lynch CD , Brunton PA , Hickel R , Meyer-Lueckel H , Gurgan S , Pallesen U , Shearer AC , Tarle Z , Cotti E , Vanherle G , Opdam N
Published: September 2016

The replacement of a restoration is one of the most common procedures in dentistry. However, the criteria for such intervention, excluding catastrophic failure and persistent discomfort and pain, continue to be the subject of considerable debate. The decision-making process remains subjective on the part of the treating clinician, while the evidence base for refurbishment and repair rather than replacement for the management of defective and failing restorations continues to grow and strengthen. This article, prepared as an Academy of Operative Dentistry European Section consensus publication, reviews existing criteria for the replacement of restorations and encourages practitioners to shift, if not already doing so, to considering the replacement of a restoration as a last resort rather than as a prudent action to be taken if in any doubt about clinical acceptability. Further research in the area, spanning the risk assessment of defective and failing restorations and new diagnostic tools and processes, together with work to enhance the evidence base of restoration repair vs replacement, would be of immense value.
Restoration Survival: Revisiting Patients' Risk Factors Through a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: van de Sande FH , Collares K , Correa MB , Cenci MS , Demarco FF , Opdam NJM
Published: September 2016

A literature review was conducted to investigate the influence of patient-related factors on restoration survival in posterior permanent teeth as well as to report the methods used to collect these factors. The selection of articles on longitudinal clinical studies investigating the survival of posterior restorations (except full crowns and temporary fillings) and including patient-related factors was performed by applying predefined criteria. The review was organized into two parts, the first describing how patient factors were assessed in the studies (n=45) and the second presenting the statistical significance (n=27) and size of the effect (n=11) of these factors on restoration survival. Patient-related factors mentioned in the studies included age; gender; caries risk; caries activity/severity; decayed, missing, filled teeth; number of restorations; oral hygiene; and bruxism, among others. Sixteen studies included the patient age or age range in the analysis, which was found to be significant in 47% of the studies. Regarding gender, four of 17 reports found a significant effect on survival, showing more failures for men in three studies. The caries risk profile or related variables were included in the analysis of 15 studies, and a significant effect on survival was reported for high-caries-risk individuals (or related variables) in 67% of these studies. Bruxism was also found to influence restoration survival in three of six studies where this variable was investigated. Some issues were found regarding the reporting of methods used to classify patients according to risk and were thoroughly discussed. In view of the information gathered in this review, the assessment of patient factors along with other variables should become part of clinical studies investigating restoration survival, since several of these factors were shown to influence the failure of restorations, regardless of the material type.
Management of a Patient With Acute Acetabular Labral Tear and Femoral Acetabular Impingement With Intra-articular Steroid Injection and a Neuromotor Training Program
Authors: Narveson Joel R. , Haberl Matthew D. , Grabowski Patrick J.
Published: September 2016

Study Design

Case report.

Background

Intra-articular hip pathologies can be difficult to diagnose, and evidence to guide physical therapy interventions is lacking. The purpose of this case report is to describe a clinical pathway for conservative management of a patient with an acute acetabular labral tear and femoroacetabular impingement.

Case Description

The patient was an 18-year-old woman with recent onset of right groin pain who underwent intra-articular corticosteroid injection and therapeutic exercise for the management of an acute acetabular labral tear identified on radiographic imaging. Prior to physical therapy, the patient received an intra-articular hip injection for diagnostic purposes and pain relief. Upon initial evaluation, the patient presented with improved pain but with continued kinesthetic deficits, inflexibility, muscle imbalances, and reproduction of symptoms with end-range hip motions. A physical therapy plan was implemented using neuromuscular re-education to address her continued impairments.

Outcomes

Marked improvements were noted at discharge and 6-month follow-up for pain, strength, and function as demonstrated on the Patient-Specific Functional Scale, global rating of change scale, and International Hip Outcome Tool-33.

Discussion

This case demonstrates a clinical pathway for collaborative medical management of a patient with confirmed intra-articular pathology. Details illustrate the clinical reasoning and rationale used to guide the clinical decision-making process.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 4. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(11):965–975. Epub 29 Sep 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6573
Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Diazotrophic Bacteria from Rhizosphere of Rice Plant of Indo-Nepal Border
Authors: Shrivastava Umesh Prasad
Published: September 2016

Free-living nitrogen fixing bacteria were isolated from the rhizosphere of rice plant of different regions of Indo-Nepal border. 33.78% isolates among them showed mineral phosphate solubilization. On the basis of bacterial characterization and identification with Bergey’s manual of Determinative Bacteriology (Holt et al, 1994), 38% isolates showed maximum similarity with Pseudomonas and Azotobacter, 30% with members of Enterobacteriaceae, 4% with Gram’s positive Microbacterium sp. and 28% was categorized unknown. ECI 12A isolate showed maximum solubilization index (S.I.), 0.809 on solid medium whereas 188.65 mg P/mg dry weight phosphate solubilization in liquid medium. The highest phosphate solubilizing isolate ECI 12A was sequenced after amplification of partial 16S rRNA gene, blast with BLASTn 2.2.17 program of NCBI showed 99 % identity having 99 % query coverage with Microbacterium sp. This isolate has been named as Microbacterium sp. Strain ECI-12A.The sequence of this strain has been deposited in NCBI Gene Bank under accession number EU155122 and this strain has promising potential for developing as a plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) as well as biofertilizer.Academic Voices Vol.5 2015: 79-87
Expectations of Graduate Communication Skills in Professional Veterinary Practice
Authors: Haldane Sarah , Hinchcliff Kenneth , Mansell Peter , Baik Chi
Published: September 2016

Good communication skills are an important entry-level attribute of graduates of professional degrees. The inclusion of communication training within the curriculum can be problematic, particularly in programs with a high content load, such as veterinary science. This study examined the differences between the perceptions of students and qualified veterinarians with regards to the entry-level communication skills required of new graduates in clinical practice. Surveys were distributed to students in each of the four year levels of the veterinary science degree at the University of Melbourne and to recent graduates and experienced veterinarians registered in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were asked to rank the relative importance of six different skill sets: knowledge base; medical and technical skills; surgical skills; verbal communication and interpersonal skills; written communication skills; and critical thinking and problem solving. They were then asked to rate the importance of specific communication skills for new graduate veterinarians. Veterinarians and students ranked verbal communication and interpersonal skills as the most important skill set for an entry-level veterinarian. Veterinarians considered many new graduates to be deficient in these skills. Students often felt they lacked confidence in this area. This has important implications for veterinary educators in terms of managing the expectations of students and improving the delivery of communication skills courses within the veterinary curriculum.
Global Trade Creation, Trade Diversion, and Economic Impacts from Changing Global Transport Costs
Authors: Bachmann Chris , Roorda Matthew J. , Kennedy Chris
Published: September 2016

Despite the complex political and economic trade environment, the generalized costs of transportation still play an important role in determining trade patterns. This paper analyzes how global trade patterns would simultaneously change as a result of new global transportation costs and for which countries the new patterns of global trade would be beneficial or detrimental. A random utility-based multiregion input–output model helps quantify the size of the impacts, identify the countries and sectors that would gain or lose the most, and explain the change in trade patterns that would create these impacts. Results suggest that Canada is most susceptible to negative economic impacts caused by decreases in global transportation costs, mainly because of its important trade relationship with the United States. Canada’s economy benefits from its proximity to the United States, but as transportation costs decrease, this proximity becomes less relevant as the United States increasingly trades with more distant countries. The United States suffers the same susceptibility to negative economic impacts with decreases in global transportation costs, but to a larger absolute (smaller relative) extent. However, global transportation cost reductions are especially beneficial to Japan, China, and South Korea, which absorb much of the trade diverted away from the United States and Canada.
The effects of new or worsened postoperative neurological deficits on survival of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Rahman Maryam , Abbatematteo Joseph , De Leo Edward K. , Kubilis Paul S. , Vaziri Sasha , Bova Frank , Sayour Elias , Mitchell Duane , Quinones-Hinojosa Alfredo
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

An increased extent of resection (EOR) has been shown to improve overall survival of patients with glioblastoma (GBM) but has the potential for causing a new postoperative neurological deficit. To investigate the impact of surgical neurological morbidity on survival, the authors performed a retrospective analysis of the clinical data from patients with GBM to quantify the impact of a new neurological deficit on the survival benefit achieved with an increased EOR.

METHODS

The data from all GBM patients who underwent resection at the University of Florida from 2010 to 2015 with postoperative imaging within 72 hours of surgery were included in the study. Retrospective analysis was performed on clinical outcomes and tumor volumes determined on postoperative and follow-up imaging examinations.

RESULTS

Overall, 115 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Tumor volume at the time of presentation was a median of 59 cm3 (enhanced on T1-weighted MRI scans). The mean EOR (± SD) was 94.2% ± 8.7% (range 59.9%–100%). Almost 30% of patients had a new postoperative neurological deficit, including motor weakness, sensory deficits, language difficulty, visual deficits, confusion, and ataxia. The neurological deficits had resolved in 41% of these patients on subsequent follow-up examinations. The median overall survival was 13.1 months (95% CI 10.9–15.2 months). Using a multipredictor Cox model, the authors observed that increased EOR was associated with improved survival except for patients with smaller tumor volumes (≤ 15 cm3). A residual volume of 2.5 cm3 or less predicted a favorable overall survival. Developing a postoperative neurological deficit significantly affected survival (9.2 months compared with 14.7 months, p = 0.02), even if the neurological deficit had resolved by the first follow-up. However, there was a trend of improved survival among patients with resolution of a neurological deficit by the first follow-up compared with patients with a permanent neurological deficit. Any survival benefit from achieving a 95% EOR was abrogated by the development of a new neurological deficit postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Developing a new neurological deficit after resection of GBM is associated with a decrease in overall survival. A careful balance between EOR and neurological compromise needs to be taken into account to reduce the likelihood of neurological morbidity from surgery.
Relationship of A1 segment hypoplasia to anterior communicating artery aneurysm morphology and risk factors for aneurysm formation
Authors: Rinaldo Lorenzo , McCutcheon Brandon A. , Murphy Meghan E. , Bydon Mohamad , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Lanzino Giuseppe
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

Hypoplasia of the A1 segment of the anterior cerebral artery is frequently observed in patients with anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms. The effect of this anatomical variant on ACoA aneurysm morphology is not well understood.

METHODS

Digital subtraction angiography images were reviewed for 204 patients presenting to the authors' institution with either a ruptured or an unruptured ACoA aneurysm. The ratio of the width of the larger A1 segment to the smaller A1 segment was calculated. Patients with an A1 ratio greater than 2 were categorized as having A1 segment hypoplasia. The relationship of A1 segment hypoplasia to both patient and aneurysm characteristics was then assessed.

RESULTS

Of 204 patients that presented with an ACoA aneurysm, 34 (16.7%) were found to have a hypoplastic A1. Patients with A1 segment hypoplasia were less likely to have a history of smoking (44.1% vs 62.9%, p = 0.0410). ACoA aneurysms occurring in the setting of a hypoplastic A1 were also found to have a larger maximum diameter (mean 7.7 vs 6.0 mm, p = 0.0084). When considered as a continuous variable, increasing A1 ratio was associated with decreasing aneurysm dome-to-neck ratio (p = 0.0289). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of A1 segment hypoplasia between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms (18.9% vs 10.7%; p = 0.1605).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that a hypoplastic A1 may affect the morphology of ACoA aneurysms. In addition, the relative lack of traditional risk factors for aneurysm formation in patients with A1 segment hypoplasia argues for the importance of hemodynamic factors in the formation of ACoA aneurysms in this anatomical setting.
Vessel-preserving stent-assisted coil embolization of an extracranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm that developed after tonsillectomy in a pediatric patient: initial case report
Authors: Steinberg Jeffrey , Cheung Vincent , Goel Gunjan , Pannell J. Scott , Nation Javan , Khalessi Alexander
Published: September 2016

Although there have been reports of carotid artery pseudoaneurysm formation after adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy secondary to iatrogenic injury, there are no case reports of successful endovascular reconstruction of the injured artery in the pediatric population. In most pediatric cases, the internal carotid artery (ICA) is sacrificed. The authors report on a 6-year-old girl who presented with odynophagia, left-sided Horner's syndrome, hematemesis, and severe anemia 6 months after a tonsillectomy. On examination she was found to have a pulsatile mass along the left posterior lateral oropharynx, and imaging demonstrated a dissection of the extracranial left ICA and an associated pseudoaneurysm. The lesion was managed endovascularly with stent-assisted coil embolization and ICA reconstruction. The child had a somewhat complicated postoperative course, requiring additional coil embolization for treatment of a minor recurrence of the pseudoaneurysm at 5 months after the initial treatment and then presenting with extrusion of a portion of the coil mass into the oropharyngeal cavity a year later. She underwent surgical removal of the extruded coils and repair of the defect and has since been free of symptoms or signs of recurrence.

The authors conclude that this strategy definitively protected the patient against an oral exsanguination or aspiration event secondary to aneurysm rupture and reduced her risk of stroke by preserving vessel patency and caliber. Moreover, they note that covered stent reconstruction surrenders endovascular access and cannot immediately provide these benefits.
Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring for C1–2 spinal cord stimulation
Authors: Muncie Laura M. , Ellens Nathaniel R. , Tolod-Kemp Emeline , Feler Claudio A. , Winestone John S.
Published: September 2016

OBJECTIVE

This study is a retrospective case series involving C1–2 spinal cord stimulation in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) under general endotracheal anesthesia. Currently, C1–2 paddle lead placement is an accepted practice, which provides effective cervical stimulation to ameliorate upper-extremity and sometimes lower-extremity symptoms experienced by patients with CRPS. However, this technique must be performed under general endotracheal anesthesia rather than in an awake or semiconscious state due to intraoperative safety concerns and patient comfort. The authors aim to provide additional data to support the following novel technique: the use of somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) diminution data to assist with proper midline placement of C1–2 leads under general anesthesia.

METHODS

SSEP median nerve (MN) and posterior tibial nerve (PTN) data were collected from 6 patients undergoing placement of C1–2 leads under general anesthesia. Fluoroscopy was used as an initial guide for proper anatomical midline placement. This was followed by the activation of the spinal cord stimulator and simultaneous collection of primarily MN SSEPs as well as PTN SSEPs for physiological midline placement. Unilateral and bilateral reductions in SSEPs assisted with the correct lateralization of the lead to ensure effective postoperative coverage according to the patient's individual preoperative symptoms.

RESULTS

Six patients were monitored using SSEPs and repeatable, reliable MN and PTN baseline responses were obtained from all. A reduction in amplitude ranging from 5% to 87% was observed, confirming inhibition of dorsal column conduction, and an average pain relief of 63% at short-term and 64% at long-term follow-up was recorded with 6 of 6 and 5 of 6 patients responding, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative SSEP collision study testing appears to be a safe technique to monitor placement of C1–2 paddle leads intraoperatively under general anesthesia.
Clinical Complexity and Use of Antipsychotics and Restraints in Long-Term Care Residents with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Heckman George A. , Crizzle Alexander M. , Chen Jonathen , Pringsheim Tamara , Jette Nathalie , Kergoat Marie-Jeanne , Eckel Leslie , Hirdes John P.
Published: September 2016

Background: Patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and/or Parkinsonism are affected by a complex burden of comorbidity. Many ultimately require institutional care, where they may be subject to the application of physical restraints or the prescription of antipsychotic medications, making them more vulnerable to adverse outcomes.

Objectives: The objectives of this paper are to: 1) describe the clinical complexity of older institutionalized persons with PD; and 2) examine patterns and predictors of restraint use and prescription of antipsychotics in this population.

Methods: Population-based cross-sectional cohort study. Residents with PD and/or Parkinsonism living in long-term care (LTC) facilities in 6 Canadian provinces and 1 Northern Territory and Complex Continuing Care (CCC) facilities in Manitoba and Ontario, Canada. The RAI MDS 2.0 instrument was used to assess all LTC residents and CCC residents. Clinical characteristics and the prevalence of major comorbidities were examined. Multivariate modeling was used to identify the characteristics of PD residents most associated with the prescription of antipsychotics and the use of restraints in LTC and CCC facilities.

Results: Residents with PD in LTC and CCC exhibit a high prevalence of dementia, major psychiatric disorders, stroke, heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and diabetes mellitus. More than 90% of LTC and CCC residents with PD had cognitive impairment; with more than half having moderate to severe impairment. Residents with PD were more likely to receive antipsychotics than those without PD. Antipsychotic use was associated with psychosis and aggressive behaviours, but also with unsteady gait and higher comorbidity and medication count. Similarly, although more common in CCC than LTC facilities, both psychosis and aggressive behaviours were associated with restraint use, as was greater cognitive and functional impairment, and urinary incontinence. Younger age, male gender, and lower physician access were all associated with greater antipsychotic and restraint use.

Conclusions: LTC and CCC residents with PD are very complex medically. Use of antipsychotics and restraints is common, and their use is often associated with factors other than psychosis or aggression.
Steroid/Antiviral for the treatment of Bell’s palsy: Double blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Khedr Eman Mohamed , Badry Reda , Ali Anwer Mohamed , Abo El-Fetoh Noha , El-Hammady Dina Hatem , Ghandour Abeer Mohamed , Abdel-Haleem Ahmed
Published: September 2016

Background: A large number of patients with Bell’s palsy fail to recover facial function completely after steroid therapy. Only a few small trials have been conducted to test whether outcomes can be improved by the addition of antiviral therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of treatment with steroid alone versus steroid + antiviral in a group of patients with moderately severe to severe acute Bell’s palsy.

Methods: Fifty eligible patients out of a total of 65 with acute onset Bell’s palsy were randomized to receive the two treatments. Evaluation was performed before starting treatment, after 2 weeks of treatment and 3 months after onset, using the House and Brackmann facial nerve grading system (HB) and the Sunnybrook grading system.

This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT02328079.

Results: Both treatments had comparable demographics and clinical scores at baseline. There was greater improvement in the mean HB and Sunnybrook scores of the steroid + antiviral group in comparison to steroid group at 3 months. At the end of the 3rd month, 17 patients (68%) had good recovery and 8 patients (32%) had poor recovery in the steroid group compared with 23 patients (92%) and 2 (8%) respectively in the steroid and antiviral group ( p = 0.034).

Conclusion: The combination of steroid and antiviral treatment increases the possibility of recovery in moderately severe to complete acute Bell’s palsy.
Association between genetic variation in the dopamine system and motor recovery after stroke
Authors: Kim Bo-Ram , Kim Hahn Young , Chun Young Il , Yun Yeo-Min , Kim Hyuntae , Choi Dong-Hee , Lee Jongmin
Published: September 2016

Background: The dopamine system plays a key role in motor learning and neuroplasticity. Several studies have studied the efficacy of dopaminergic drugs in enhancing motor recovery after stroke, but the effects are controversial. Although genetic variations in plasticity-related genes influence each individual’s capacity for recovery after stroke, limited studies have investigated the effects of polymorphism of dopamine-related genes.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between motor recovery in stroke patients and polymorphisms in the dopamine-related genes catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT), dopamine receptor D1 ( DRD1), DRD2, and DRD3.

Methods: We enrolled 74 patients with first-ever stroke (42 males, 32 females, mean age: 61.4±14.1 y). During admission, blood samples were collected, and the genotypes of COMT, DRD1, DRD2, and DRD3 were analyzed. The primary outcome was assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months after stroke; secondary outcomes were assessed with Functional Independence Measure (FIM) and mini-mental state examination at 3 and 6 months after stroke. The association between polymorphisms and functional outcome was analyzed.

Results: There were no significant associations between COMT polymorphisms and FMA or FIM scores at 1 week after stroke or between DRD1, DRD2, or DRD3 genotypes and FMA or FIM scores at any point. COMT genotypes were significantly associated with FMA and FIM at 3 months ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively) and at 6 months ( p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: These data suggest that genetic variation of dopamine-related genes may affect motor recovery after stroke and that COMT polymorphism could be useful for predicting motor recovery.
Effects of anodal tDCS and occupational therapy on fine motor skill deficits in patients with chronic stroke
Authors: Ilić Nela V. , Dubljanin-Raspopović Emilija , Nedeljković Una , Tomanović-Vujadinović Sanja , Milanović Sladjan D. , Petronić-Marković Ivana , Ilić Tihomir V.
Published: September 2016

Background: A growing body of evidence supports the effectiveness of using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) in patients with chronic hand motor impairment resulting from stroke.

Objective: In this study, we investigate and compare the combined effects of anodal tDCS and occupational therapy (OT) to sham stimulation with OT (control) on fine motor skill deficits of chronic stroke patients.

Methods: A total of 26 stroke patients (at ≥ 9 months) were randomly assigned to an active treatment or a control group in a double-blinded, sham-controlled, parallel design study. Each group received OT for 45 min/day (10 sessions for 2 weeks). Treatment was preceded by either 20 minutes of 2 mA anodal tDCS over ipsilesional M1 or sham tDCS. A modified Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (mJTHFT) was administered as primary outcome measure, and handgrip dynamometer and upper limb Fugl-Meyer (ULFM) assessments were performed as secondary outcomes. The assessment was done at baseline (T0), after the interventions on day 1(T1), day 10 (T2) and day 40 (T3).

Results: We observed a statistically significant effect in the tDCS group when the results were compared to the sham group. The mJTHFT times were significantly shorter immediately after treatment and at day 40. The intervention had no effect on handgrip strength or ULFM score.

Conclusion: Fine motor skill deficits in chronic stroke survivors can be improved when intensive OT is primed with anodal tDCS over the ipsilesional hemisphere.
Genetic evaluation of production potential of Black Bengal goat using frozen semen under community based rearing system
Authors: Ali MY , Husain SS , Bhuiyan SA , Islam MR , Haque MA
Published: September 2016

The objective of this study was to investigate production potential of Black Bengal goat using frozen semen under community based-rearing system. Forty Black Bengal does were distributed to the goat keepers and inseminated with frozen semen of selected Black Bengal bucks. Statistical analyses of all parameters were done using SAS. Genetic parameters were also measured using VCE software. Means along with standard errors for productive performance were 0.96±0.01, 4.25±0.06, 7.04±0.12 kg, 36.51±0.64, 31.29±0.98 g/d, and 247.80±3.13 ml/d, respectively for birth weight, body weight at 3- and 6-month, average daily gain at 3- and 6-month and daily milk yield. Reproductive performances were 1.81±0.107, 1.44±0.097, 145.33±0.649 days, 200.60±2.83 days, 7.69±1.97 kg, 40%, 19.65%, respectively for litter size, service per  conception, gestation period, age and weight at first heat, conception rate and kid mortality. Effects of sex and litter size were significant (p<0.01) for birth and 3-month weight and season was significant (p<0.05) only for birth weight. Bucks showed significant effects (p<0.05) for birth and 3-month weight. Estimated heritability for birth, 3- and 6-month weight were 0.21±0.03, 0.36±0.07 and 0.12±0.05. Genetic correlations among body weights ranged from 0.35 to 0.65 and phenotypic correlations ranged from 0.44 to 0.52. Therefore, the AI program with frozen semen of Black Bengal buck would be beneficial to the farmers.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2016. 45 (2): 52-59
Association of HLA -A1 and HLA -B8 Antigens with Natural Rubella Infection in Bangladeshi Females
Authors: Afzalunnessa B , Tabassum Shahina , Munshi Saifullah , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: September 2016

HLA typing was carried out for HLA -A1 and HLA -B8 antigens among 40 Rubella specific immunoglobulin G (RSIgG) positive and 10 RSIgG negative subjects by employing microlympohocytotoxicity technique in viable (>85%) lymphocytes separated from fresh blood. Among these, HLA-A1 antigen was detected in 20 (50%) of RSIgG positive and 4 (40%) of RSIgG negative subjects. The HLA-B8 antigen was detected in 1 (2.5%) of RSIgG positive and in none of the RSIgG negative subjects. None of the subjects had both A1 and B8 antigens. Of the total subjects tested, 24 (48%) were positive for A1 antigen but only 1 (2.0%) was found positive for B8 antigen. In conclusion, HLA -A1 antigen was more frequently found in local population than B8 antigen. However, in this study, a positive correlation of A1 and B8 antigens with natural rubella infection could not be established.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2007;01(01):13-16
Comparison of Western Blot Technique with Microscopy and Culture for Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Authors: Gazi Md. Jamal Uddin , Miah Md. Ruhul Amin , Ahmed Sharmeen , Sattar Abu Naser Ibne
Published: September 2016

Diagnosis of tuberculosis is usually done by microscopy for AFB and other tests. But each test has different limitation. This study was carried out to compare western blot technique with microscopy and culture for diagnosis of tuberculosis. Sputum and other samples were collected from 112 TB patients for bacteriological diagnosis by microscopy and culture for AFB. Serum samples were collected from 112 TB patients and 50 control subjects for detection of antibody response by western blot. For western blot analysis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis sonicate antigen extract was fractionated by electrophoresis on  polyacrylamide gel.  Western blot analysis revealed four polypeptides against which antibody response of study population were observed. The sensitivity of western blot was 73.21% which was higher than that of microscopy (63.39%) and culture (57.14%) for diagnosis of tuberculosis. The specificity of western blot was 92%.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2007; 01 (01):21-24
Role of Latex Particle Agglutination Test in the Diagnosis of Meningitis
Authors: Begum Nurjahan , Ahmed Iftikhar , Salam Md. Abdus , Begum Shahanara , Alam KM Faisal
Published: September 2016

A total  of 45 clinically suspected  cases of meningitis  of all  ages,  admitted at Rajshahi Medical  College  Hospital(RMCH),  were  studied to  find  out the etiological  agents of meningitis. Among  the cases,  32 (7l.1oh)  were diagnosed  asaseptic  meningitis  and  L3 (ZS.Sgoh)  as  bacterial meningitis by the  conventional  CSF  study. But  out of total  45 cases,lg  (40oh) were diagnosed as bacterial  meningitis  by  Latex  particle  agglutination test (LPAT).  The  LPAT  is  widelyused in  clinical  microbiology laboratories  and can  be considered  as an important  supplement  to the  culture  andGram stain of CSF specimens. Rapid  antigen  detection  tests may  provide positive results  when  culture  and  Gramstain results  are  negative for  meningitis patients  who have  received antimicrobial  therapy.  So, in our country, where empirical  broad-spectrum antibiotic is  randomly  used, LPAT may  be considered  as an adjunct  to establish  thediagnosis  of  bacterial  meningitis.Bangladesh  J Med Microbiol  2007;01(01):10-12
Re-Emergence of Chikungunya Virus: Completed Setup and the Danger of Imminent Invasion
Authors: Chowdhury Osul Ahmed , Ahmed Muhammad Shamsher
Published: September 2016

No Abstract is availableBangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008;2(1):1DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21779
In Vitro Low Responsiveness of Leishmania donovani Towards Sodium Antimony Gluconate
Authors: Alam Murshed , Shamsuzzaman AKM , Musa AKM , Khan Abul Hossain , Mahmud Md Chand , Ahmed Mesbah Uddin , Hossain Md. Akram , Ahmed Abdullah Akhtar
Published: September 2016

Kala-azar has been uprising concomitantly with drug-resistant strains of the causatinve agent, particularly in the neighbouring India. The actual perspective of drug resistance in Leishmania donovani in Bangladesh is yet to be explored. So, this prospective study, as a preliminary one, was done to observe in vitro drug responsiveness against Sodium Antimony Gluconate (SAG) and Amphotericin B of 41 strains of L. donovani isolated from Kala-azar cases. The cases (n=41) were selected from 45 clinically suspected febrile patients those who were positive for Kala-azar by immunochromatographic test (ICT). The selected cases were subsequently confirmed as Kala-azar by detection of Leishmania Donovan (LD) bodies from bone marrow aspirates (n=38) by microscopy and/or showing promastigotes in modified McNeal, Nicole and Novy (NNN) media (n=41). Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) of SAG and Amphotericin B were seen in relation with history of previous SAG therapy of the patients. Among 08 strains with previous SAG therapy, MICs of SAG were 500 µg in 05 (62.5%) and 250 µg in 03 (37.5%) cases. In remaining 33 strains with no previous SAG therapy, MIC of the drug was 250 µg. In all 41 strains, MIC of Amphotericin B was 05 µg irrespective of the history of previous SAG therapy. The study revealed that strains of L. donovani with low responsiveness to standard dose of pentavalent antimonials have been started to appear in our community that needs further study at community level in a larger population.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 8-12DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21782
Role of Mycoplasma hominis in Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Begum Monowara , Alam Md. Nurul , Rahman Kazi Mosihur
Published: September 2016

A total of 115 women were investigated along with 50 controls in order to find out association of Mycoplasma hominis in Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) cases. Vaginal swabs were collected from the cases enrolled from three tertiary- level Hospitals of Dhaka City during December, 1993 to December, 1994. Specimens were cultured on appropriate media and M. hominis was isolated from 28 (24.3%) specimens collected from patients and 3 (6%) from healthy controls. The difference of isolation rate was statistically significant (p<0.05) between cases and the controls. In addition to M. hominis, Gardnerella vaginalis was present in 35 (30.4%), Candida spp. in 26 (22.6%), Trichomonas vaginilis in 10 (8.7%) and other aerobic bacteria in 11 (9.5%) cases.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 18-21DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21783
Aerobic Bacterial Pattern in Puerperal Sepsis
Authors: Ahmed Salma , Hossain Md. Akram , Shamsuzzaman AKM , Sumona Asma Azad , Bagum Zahura , Jahan Nahid Akter , Musa AKM , Mahmud Md. Chand
Published: September 2016

Puerperal sepsis is an important cause of maternal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. This study was undertaken to isolate and identify the Aerobic bacterial agents of Puerperal sepsis among the patients admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital during the period from July, 2006 to June, 2007. Endocervical swabs/secretions were collected from 50 cases of Puerperal sepsis and were cultured aerobically. Out of 50 samples, 42 (84%) yielded growth in cultures. Among 42 culture positive cases, 20 (40%) were Aerobic organisms and 22 (44%) were mixed, i.e., Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria. The isolated Aerobic organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (26, 61.90%), Escherichia coli (6, 14.28%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (5, 11.90%), Streptococcus pyogenes (3, 7.14%) and Enterococcus faecalis (2, 4.76%). The organisms were identified by standard biochemical tests. All isolates of S.aureus and S. epidermidis were sensitive to Cephalexin and Vancomycin. Similarly all the strains of E. coli were sensitive to Gentamicin, Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Cephalexin. All the strains of S. pyogenes were sensitive to Amoxicillin and all the isolates of Enterococcus were sensitive to Amoxicillin and Cephalexin.Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (01): 22-27DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v2i1.21785
The Plasmids in Gonococci
Authors: Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: September 2016

No Abstract AvilableBangladesh J Med Microbiol 2008; 02 (02): 35-47
Sensitivity of the Reaction Mechanism of the Ozone Depletion Events during the Arctic Spring on the Initial Atmospheric Composition of the Troposphere
Authors: Cao Le , He Min , Jiang Haimei , Grosshans Holger , Cao Nianwen
Published: September 2016

Ozone depletion events (ODEs) during the Arctic spring have been investigated since the 1980s. It was found that the depletion of ozone is highly associated with the release of halogens, especially bromine containing compounds. These compounds originate from various substrates such as the ice/snow-covered surfaces in Arctic. In the present study, the dependence of the mixing ratios of ozone and principal bromine species during ODEs on the initial composition of the Arctic atmospheric boundary layer was investigated by using a concentration sensitivity analysis. This analysis was performed by implementing a reaction mechanism representing the ozone depletion and halogen release in the box model KINAL (KInetic aNALysis of reaction mechanics). The ratios between the relative change of the mixing ratios of particular species such as ozone and the variation in the initial concentration of each atmospheric component were calculated, which indicate the relative importance of each initial species in the chemical kinetic system. The results of the computations show that the impact of various chemical species is different for ozone and bromine containing compounds during the depletion of ozone. It was found that CH3CHO critically controls the time scale of the complete removal of ozone. However, the rate of the ozone loss and the maximum values of bromine species are only slightly influenced by the initial value of CH3CHO. In addition, according to the concentration sensitivity analysis, the reduction of initial Br2 was found to cause a significant retardant of the ODE while the initial mixing ratio of HBr exerts minor influence on both ozone and bromine species. In addition, it is also interesting to note that the increase of C2H2 would significantly raise the amount of HOBr and Br in the atmosphere while the ozone depletion is hardly changed.
The Cluster Variation Method: A Primer for Neuroscientists
Authors: Maren Alianna
Published: September 2016

Effective Brain–Computer Interfaces (BCIs) require that the time-varying activation patterns of 2-D neural ensembles be modelled. The cluster variation method (CVM) offers a means for the characterization of 2-D local pattern distributions. This paper provides neuroscientists and BCI researchers with a CVM tutorial that will help them to understand how the CVM statistical thermodynamics formulation can model 2-D pattern distributions expressing structural and functional dynamics in the brain. The premise is that local-in-time free energy minimization works alongside neural connectivity adaptation, supporting the development and stabilization of consistent stimulus-specific responsive activation patterns. The equilibrium distribution of local patterns, or configuration variables, is defined in terms of a single interaction enthalpy parameter (h) for the case of an equiprobable distribution of bistate (neural/neural ensemble) units. Thus, either one enthalpy parameter (or two, for the case of non-equiprobable distribution) yields equilibrium configuration variable values. Modeling 2-D neural activation distribution patterns with the representational layer of a computational engine, we can thus correlate variational free energy minimization with specific configuration variable distributions. The CVM triplet configuration variables also map well to the notion of a M = 3 functional motif. This paper addresses the special case of an equiprobable unit distribution, for which an analytic solution can be found.
Analysis of Entropy Generation in Mixed Convective Peristaltic Flow of Nanofluid
Authors: Hayat Tasawar , Nawaz Sadaf , Alsaedi Ahmed , Rafiq Maimona
Published: September 2016

This article examines entropy generation in the peristaltic transport of nanofluid in a channel with flexible walls. Single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) and multiple walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) with water as base fluid are utilized in this study. Mixed convection is also considered in the present analysis. Viscous dissipation effect is present. Moreover, slip conditions are encountered for both velocity and temperature at the boundaries. Analysis is prepared in the presence of long wavelength and small Reynolds number assumptions. Two phase model for nanofluids are employed. Nonlinear system of equations for small Grashof number is solved. Velocity and temperature are examined for different parameters via graphs. Streamlines are also constructed to analyze the trapping. Results show that axial velocity and temperature of the nanofluid decrease when we enhance the nanoparticle volume fraction. Moreover, the wall elastance parameter shows increase in axial velocity and temperature, whereas decrease in both quantities is noticed for damping coefficient. Decrease is notified in Entropy generation and Bejan number for increasing values of nanoparticle volume fraction.