bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of steroids in mesenchymal stem cell differentiation: molecular and clinical perspectives
Authors: Salloum Rony H. , Rubin J. Peter , Marra Kacey G.
Published: July 2013

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stem cells capable of either self-regeneration or differentiation into more mature cell types, depending on the environmental stimuli. MSCs originate from the mesoderm and differentiate readily into mesodermal tissue. The tissues most studied in that respect are bone, fat and cartilage, and the key molecular elements in these three differentiation pathways are RUNX2, PPARγ and SOX9, respectively. Steroidal molecules play an important role in determining the fate of MSCs, mainly by altering the expression of key cellular molecules. Not all steroids exert the same effects on these cells. This review discusses the effects of sex steroids and glucocorticoids on the proliferative capacity and differentiation patterns of MSCs. With stem-cell-based therapy gaining worldwide attention, we explore the role of steroids in modulating MSCs for clinical and therapeutic purposes. The ease with which some MSCs, such as adipose-derived stem cells, can be harvested from the body and manipulated in the laboratory may lead to increased interest in this era of stem cells.
Brain structural and functional changes in adolescents with psychiatric disorders
Authors: Miguel-Hidalgo José Javier
Published: July 2013

During adolescence, hormonal and neurodevelopmental changes geared to ensuring reproduction and achieving independence are very likely mediated by the growth of neural processes, remodeling of synaptic connections, increased myelination in prefrontal areas and maturation of connecting subcortical areas. These processes, greatly accelerated in adolescence, follow an asynchronous pattern in different brain areas. Neuroimaging research using functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging has produced most of the insights regarding brain structural and functional neuropathology in adolescent psychiatric disorders. In schizophrenia, first episodes during adolescence are linked to greater-than-normal losses in gray matter density and white matter integrity and show a divergence of maturational trajectories from normative neural development in a progression similar to that of adult-onset schizophrenia. Anxiety and mood disorders in adolescence have been linked to abnormally increased activity in the amygdala and ventral prefrontal cortical areas, although some data suggest that neural abnormalities in the amygdala and anxiety maybe particularly more frequent in adolescents than in adults. Alcohol misuse in adolescence results in reduced integrity in the white matter and reduced gray matter density that, given the high intensity of adolescent synaptic and myelin remodeling, may result in persistent and profound changes in circuits supporting memory and emotional and appetitive control. The interaction of persistent changes due to prenatal exposure with the contemporaneous expression of genetic factors and disturbing environmental exposure may be an important factor in the appearance of psychiatric disorders in adolescence. Further progress in understanding adolescent psychopathology will require postmortem research of molecular and cellular determinants in the adolescent brain.
Solids Suspension Study in a Side-Entering Stirred Tank Through CFD Modeling
Authors: Chen Jia , Xiao Wende
Published: July 2013

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technique was employed to study solids suspension in a stirred tank equipped with three side-entering impellers. Simulations of solid–liquid flow were performed by using an Eulerian-Granular Multiphase (EGM) model coupling with standard k–ε mixture turbulence model and Reynolds stress model, respectively. A multiple reference frame (MRF) approach was used to model the impeller rotation. The CFD predictions have been verified by comparing the predicted results with the experimental just suspended impeller speed and solid sediment pattern at the tank bottom. The solid distribution and liquid-phase velocity vectors throughout the tank for two cases with and without solid phase were investigated to understand the characteristics of solid–liquid flow. The solid suspension quality has been assessed by employing three criterions: the just suspended impeller speed Njs, cloud height h, and suspension homogeneity. The effects of impeller agitation speed, particle size, and solid loading on suspension quality have been investigated. The computational model and results discussed in this study would be useful to understand the solid–liquid dispersion process in side-entering stirred tanks and extend the application of CFD models for equipment design and process optimization.
Constrained Hamiltonian Monte Carlo in BEKK GARCH with Targeting
Authors: Burda Martin
Published: July 2013

The GARCH class of models for dynamic conditional covariances trades off flexibility with parameter parsimony. The unrestricted BEKK GARCH dominates its restricted scalar and diagonal versions in terms of model fit, but its parameter dimensionality increases quickly with the number of variables. Covariance targeting has been proposed as a way of reducing parameter dimensionality, but for the BEKK with targeting the imposition of positive definiteness on the conditional covariance matrices presents a significant challenge. In this article, we suggest an approach based on Constrained Hamiltonian Monte Carlo that can deal effectively both with the nonlinear constraints resulting from BEKK targeting and the complicated nature of the BEKK likelihood in relatively high dimensions. We perform a model comparison of the full BEKK and the BEKK with targeting, indicating that the latter dominates the former in terms of marginal likelihood. Thus, we show that the BEKK with targeting presents an effective way of reducing parameter dimensionality without compromising the model fit, unlike the scalar or diagonal BEKK. The model comparison is conducted in the context of an application concerning a multivariate dynamic volatility analysis of a foreign exchange rate returns portfolio.
Mechanical and thermal properties of impact modified PBT blends and impact modified PBT nanocomposites
Authors: Sharma Ranjana , Jain Purnima , Sadhu Susmita Dey , Kaur Bikramjit
Published: July 2013

Elastomer toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/organoclay [Cloisite 30B, organo-montmorillonite (OMMT)] nanocomposites were prepared via melt blending using a micro-compounder. In this work, two types of impact modifiers, ultra low density polyethylene grafted glycidyl methacrylate (ULDPE-g-GMA, IM1) and ethylene-methyl acrylate-glycidyl methacrylate (E-MA-GMA, IM2) were used, and a detailed comparison of the effect of both was made. With respect to the impact strength, 2 wt% of ULDPE-g-GMA produced a better result as compared to 2 wt% E-MA-GMA. Therefore, 2 wt% of ULDPE-g-GMA is considered as the optimized percentage for the preparation of nanocomposites. Being an impact modifier, ULDPE-g-GMA decreases the yield stress, tensile modulus and breaking strength of pure PBT. This issue was addressed in this paper by using organoclay, which may improve the tensile properties of PBT materials. The content of ULDPE-g-GMA was kept constant, whereas organoclay (OMMT) content was varied from 2 to 5 wt% in nanocomposites. The melting and crystallization behavior of pure PBT, impact modified PBT and its nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Crystalline morphology was investigated using polarizing optical microscopy (POM) at 185°C, 195°C, and 205°C crystallization temperatures. The optimum increase in tensile modulus of the elastomer toughened PBT nanocomposites was seen with a 3 wt% addition of organoclay.
Needle aspirate PTH in diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism due to intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst
Authors: Dutta Deep , Selvan Chitra , Kumar Manoj , Datta Saumik , Das Ram Narayan , Ghosh Sujoy , Mukhopadhyay Satinath , Chowdhury Subhankar
Published: July 2013

Parathyroid cysts are rare (0.8–3.41% of all parathyroid lesions) and usually arise secondary to cystic degeneration of parathyroid adenomas. Intrathyroidal parathyroid cysts are extremely rare with only three cases reported till date. We present a 24-year-old female with clinical and biochemical features of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT; Ca2
+: 12.1 mg/dl; intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH): 1283 pg/ml) and poor radiotracer uptake with minimal residual uptake in the left thyroid lobe at 2 and 4 h on Tc99m sestamibi imaging. Neck ultrasonography (USG) revealed 0.6×1 cm parathyroid posterior left lobe of thyroid along with 22×18 mm simple thyroid cyst. USG-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and needle tip iPTH estimation (FNA-iPTH) from parathyroid lesion was inconclusive (114 pg/ml), necessitating FNA of thyroid cyst, which revealed high iPTH (3480 pg/ml) from the aspirate. The patient underwent a left hemithyroidectomy. A >50% drop in serum iPTH 20 min after left hemithyroidectomy (29.4 pg/ml) along with histopathology suggestive of intrathyroidal cystic parathyroid adenoma (cystic lesion lined by chief cell variant parathyroid cells without any nuclear atypia, capsular or vascular invasion surrounded by normal thyroid follicles) confirmed that the parathyroid cyst was responsible for PHPT. This report highlights the importance of FNA-iPTH in localizing and differentiating a functional parathyroid lesion from nonfunctional tissue in PHPT.

Learning points

Fine-needle aspiration from suspected parathyroid lesion and needle tip iPTH (FNA-iPTH) estimation from the saline washing has an important role in localizing primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT).

FNA-iPTH estimation may help in differentiating functional from nonfunctional parathyroid lesion responsible for PHPT.

iPTH estimation from aspirate of an intrathyroid cyst is helpful in differentiating intrathyroidal parathyroid cyst from thyroid cyst.
Inquérito sorológico para o diagnóstico da Doença de Chagas entre doadores de um banco de sangue do Recife
Authors: Huggins Donald , Lucena Durval T. , Carvalho Anaeleto de , Figueiredo Benjamim
Published: July 2013

Os autores, efetuando um inquérito sorológico baseado na reação de Guerreiro-Machado para o diagnóstico da doença de Chagas em 136 candidatos não selecionados a doadores do Banco de Sangue do Hospital das Clínicas da FM.U.F.Pe., Brasil, encontraram seis (4,41%) com reações positivas.
Mucormicose espontânea em pulmão de coelho
Authors: Lopes Antônio Carneiro
Published: July 2013

O autor descreve em coelho de raça Chinchila, com aproximadamente um ano de idade, apresentando nódulos miliares nos pulmões, um caso de mucormicose pulmonar. O autor, utilizando PAS, comprovou a presença de micélio não septado e ramificado que se localizava de preferência na luz de pequenos vasos pulmonares, ao redor dos quais havia reação inflamatória do parênquima pulmonar.
Diagnóstico laboratorial da varíola: I. resultados do primeiro ano de atividade
Authors: Schatzmayr H. G. , Mesquita J. A.
Published: July 2013

Os autores escrevem a experiência obtida no Diagnóstico Laboratorial de Varíola, durante o primeiro ano de funcionamento de uma unidade montada para servir à Campanha de Erradicação de Varíola no Brasil. O exame de 71 materiais de crostas e de 16 de líquido de vesícula ou pústula, forneceu 28 e 9 amostras de vírus da varíola, respectivamente. As provas de precipitação em agar-gel foram positivas em 21% e 25% dos espécimens respectivamente (Tabela 1). A coleta foi muitas vêzes realizada em regiões distantes e os espécimens levaram algumas vêzes até mais de 15 dias vara chegar ao laboratório, o que influenciou sensivelmente os resultados obtidos (Tabelas 2 e 3), reduzindo a percentagem de isolamentos. A reação de precipitação diretamente a partir do espécímen, não foi útil quando eram disponíveis quantidades reduzidas de material; a reação foi, no entanto, usada com sucesso para informar a presença de vírus em membranas cório-alantóicas, como confirmação do diagnóstico. Próximamente serão apresentados e analisados comparativamente os resultados obtidos nos meses seguintes de trabalho.
Tradução e adaptação cultural da ferramenta Strongkids para triagem do risco de desnutrição em crianças hospitalizadas
Authors: Carvalho Fernanda Christina de , Lopes Célia Regina , Vilela Laurieny da Costa , Vieira Marina Araújo , Rinaldi Ana Elisa M. , Crispim Cibele Aparecida
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Realizar a tradução para o português e a adaptação cultural da ferramenta para triagem de desnutrição Strongkids, em crianças hospitalizadas. MÉTODOS: Estudo documental no qual foi realizada a tradução da ferramenta da versão original (inglês) para a língua portuguesa. A tradução e a adaptação cultural do conteúdo de tal instrumento consistiram de seis etapas, segundo a metodologia proposta por Beaton et al (tradução inicial, síntese das traduções, retrotradução, verificação do processo de equivalência cultural, pré-teste e avaliação do processo de adaptação cultural). Na primeira etapa, a tradução foi realizada por dois tradutores independentes; na segunda, envolveu síntese e reconciliação das mesmas; na terceira, a reconciliada foi retrotraduzida e, na quarta, elaborou-se versão pré-final, de forma a manter as equivalências linguísticas. Na quinta etapa, foi realizado o pré-teste da versão pré-final para verificar a compreensão dos itens e, na última, foram feitas as correções necessárias e uma versão final da ferramenta foi elaborada. RESULTADOS: A versão pré-final da ferramenta foi aplicada a 30 pais e/ou responsáveis e a 20 profissionais da saúde para esclarecer o entendimento da mesma por ambos os públicos. As principais alterações realizadas foram adequações de termos técnicos, visando a atender às recomendações dos profissionais da área da saúde, e adequação dos termos para os pais e/ou responsáveis. CONCLUSÕES: A ferramenta em português mostrou-se de simples entendimento para os pais/responsáveis e profissionais da saúde a fim de triar o risco de desnutrição em crianças hospitalizadas.
Prevalência de sobrepeso/obesidade e nível econômico de escolares
Authors: Azambuja Ana Paula de O. , Netto-Oliveira Edna Regina , Oliveira Amauri Aparecido B. de , Azambuja Maximiliano dos Anjos , Rinaldi Wilson
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Associar o estado nutricional com sexo, grupo etário e nível econômico de escolares do ensino fundamental por meio de um estudo transversal nas escolas municipais do município de Cruzeiro do Oeste, Paraná, Brasil. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi realizada em 2010 com 939 alunos com idades entre seis e dez anos. Para tanto, realizou-se a classificação do nível econômico das famílias por meio do questionário de ranking econômico (Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa) e foi calculado o índice de massa corpórea. A análise dos dados foi realizada por estatística descritiva, e a verificação de diferenças entre grupos independentes pelos testes de Mann-Whitney e Kruskal-Wallis, bem como possíveis associações foram verificadas pelo teste do qui-quadrado. Para todos os procedimentos adotou-se o nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de obesidade na amostra estudada foi de 8,0% e de sobrepeso, 16,4%. Não houve associação entre nível econômico e estado nutricional, assim como entre estado nutricional e sexo. CONCLUSÕES: A prevalência de sobrepeso e obesidade foi considerada alta, evidenciando que crianças de ambos os sexos são afetadas, independentemente de seus níveis econômicos e grupo etário.
Gordura corporal, aptidão muscular e cardiorrespiratória segundo a maturação sexual em adolescentes brasileiros de uma cidade de colonização germânica
Authors: Minatto Giseli , Petroski Edio Luiz , Silva Diego Augusto S.
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar a aptidão física relacionada à saúde de acordo com os estágios de maturação sexual em adolescentes brasileiros (10 a 17 anos) residentes em cidade de pequeno porte de colonização germânica. MÉTODOS: Estudo derivado de um projeto populacional de base escolar e delineamento transversal realizado com adolescentes de escolas públicas (140 do sexo masculino e 130 do feminino) de São Bonifácio, Santa Catarina. Aplicaram-se os testes da bateria Fitnessgram® (percentual de gordura corporal, teste de senta e alcança, abdominais, flexão de braços em suspensão modificado e vaivém de 20m). A maturação sexual foi autoavaliada por meio dos estágios de desenvolvimento dos pelos pubianos e classificada em P1 a P5. Os resultados foram checados por análise de variância one-way, seguida do teste post hoc de Bonferroni e o Kruskal-Wallis. RESULTADOS: No sexo masculino, observou-se que o percentual de gordura corporal foi 11,4% maior em P1 (p=0,04) e 10,2% maior em P3 (p=0,01), comparado ao P5. As diferenças entre os estágios maturacionais ocorreram na flexibilidade (aumento de 5,1cm - p=0,03), nos testes de abdominais (p=0,04) e na flexão de braços (p<0,01), entre P2 e P5. No sexo feminino, valores médios de aptidão cardiorrespiratória foram inferiores (p<0,01) para aquelas nos estágios finais de maturação. CONCLUSÕES: As diferenças entre os estágios de maturação foram observadas no percentual de gordura corporal e na aptidão muscular para o sexo masculino e na aptidão cardiorrespiratória para o feminino. Ações para melhorar a aptidão física deveriam ser direcionadas aos rapazes nos primeiros estágios de maturação e às moças mais maduras.
Anomalias congênitas: internações em unidade pediátrica
Authors: Polita Naiara Barros , Ferrari Rosângela Aparecida P. , Moraes Priscila Santa de , Sant'Anna Flávia Lopes , Tacla Mauren Teresa G. M.
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil das crianças com anomalias congênitas em unidade pediátrica. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa e retrospectiva. A amostra constituiu-se dos prontuários de crianças de 0 a 12 anos que foram internadas na unidade pediátrica de um hospital escola público em Londrina, Paraná, de 2007 a 2009. Os dados foram obtidos por busca ativa aos registros processados no programa Epi-Info®, e submetidos à análise estatística descritiva. RESULTADOS: Ocorreram 282 primeiras internações de crianças com anomalias congênitas. Destas, 130 (46,0%) necessitaram de reinternações e totalizaram, portanto, 412. A média de internação foi de três dias. Houve predomínio do sexo masculino e faixa etária de três a sete anos. Entre as anomalias prevaleceram aquelas do aparelho geniturinário (19,6%), seguidas pelas fendas labiais e palatinas (17,3%) e pelo aparelho circulatório (16,2%). Foram realizados 269 procedimentos cirúrgicos para corrigir as anomalias. CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo reafirma a importância epidemiológica das anomalias congênitas, apontando para a necessidade de prevenir e controlar os fatores desencadeadores.
As vulnerabilidades na infância e adolescência e as políticas públicas brasileiras de intervenção
Authors: Fonseca Franciele Fagundes , Sena Ramony Kris R. , Santos Rocky Lane A. dos , Dias Orlene Veloso , Costa Simone de Melo
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Revisar e discutir as vulnerabilidades na infância e na adolescência, bem como as políticas públicas brasileiras de intervenção. FONTES DE DADOS: Realizou-se uma revisão narrativa, entre 1990 e 2012, em periódicos dos bancos de dados contidos na Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Aplicou-se a combinação dos seguintes descritores: "Saúde do Adolescente", "Saúde da Criança", "Políticas Públicas de Saúde" e "Vulnerabilidade". Além disso, documentos oficiais do Estado Brasileiro, Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, Criação dos Conselhos Tutelares, Programa Bolsa Família e o Programa Saúde na Escola foram avaliados. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Os resultados foram apresentados em cinco categorias de análise: As Vulnerabilidades das Crianças e Adolescentes no Brasil, Políticas Públicas de Intervenção aos Fatores de Risco na Infância e Adolescência, Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente e o Conselho Tutelar, Programa Bolsa Família e Programa Saúde na Escola. As publicações revelaram que as crianças e adolescentes são vulneráveis às situações ambientais e sociais. As vulnerabilidades manifestam-se em violência cotidiana, no contexto familiar e escolar, obrigando crianças e adolescentes a se inserirem precocemente no mercado de trabalho e/ou no tráfico de drogas. Para o enfrentamento desses problemas, o Governo instituiu o Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente, além de programas sociais. CONCLUSÕES: A literatura expõe os riscos vivenciados pelas crianças e adolescentes no Brasil. Em contrapartida, identificou-se o esforço do Governo para eliminar ou minimizar o sofrimento daqueles em situação de vulnerabilidade, por meio de políticas públicas direcionadas a esse contingente populacional.
Recidiva de urticária crônica decorrente de reinfecção por Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Bruscky Dayanne Mota V. , Rocha Luiz Alexandre R. da , Costa Aldo José F.
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: Descrever, em uma adolescente do sexo feminino, o caso clínico de urticária crônica associado à infecção por Helicobacter pylori confirmado em dois momentos distintos, com melhora após a terapêutica antibacteriana. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Paciente do sexo feminino, 13 anos, procurou atendimento médico com urticária crônica e dores epigástricas sem resposta ao tratamento medicamentoso. Os exames solicitados para investigação complementar apresentaram-se normais, exceto a endoscopia digestiva alta com biópsia, que evidenciou gastrite crônica ativa moderada associada ao Helicobacter pylori. Foi iniciado o tratamento adequado para a bactéria em questão e a paciente apresentou remissão dos sintomas. Nova endoscopia digestiva alta para controlar o tratamento após nove meses estava normal. Cinco anos depois, a paciente procurou novamente o ambulatório queixando-se de retorno do quadro de urticária e dores epigástricas. Ela se encontrava em uso de anti-histamínico, sem melhora. Foi novamente submetida a protocolo de exames para investigar urticária crônica, com resultados dentro da normalidade. Foi submetida à endoscopia digestiva alta, que apresentou teste da urease positivo. Iniciou-se então novo tratamento para Helicobacter pylori por sete dias, com desaparecimento da urticária crônica e das dores epigástricas. COMENTÁRIOS: O caso relatado sugere relação causal entre o diagnóstico positivo para o Helicobacter pylori e a ocorrência do quadro de urticária crônica, com instituição de terapêutica eficaz para tal bactéria e remissão dos sintomas. A urticária crônica é uma doença de etiopatogenia complexa e, apesar das controvérsias, as evidências do envolvimento do Helicobacter pylori com doenças extraintestinais vêm crescendo, entre elas a urticária crônica.
Manifestações bucais em pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Yamashita Joselene Martinelli , Moura-Grec Patrícia Garcia de , Capelari Marcos Maurício , Sales-Peres Arsenio , Sales-Peres Sílvia Helena de Carvalho
Published: July 2013

OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática da literatura sobre a associação entre o Diabetes Mellitus e as manifestações bucais. MÉTODO: Os métodos aplicados incluíram estratégia de busca na literatura e critérios de inclusão e exclusão para a seleção dos artigos a serem adotados. As bases de dados incluídas foram PubMed, SciElo, BBO e LILACS, até setembro de 2011. Os artigos selecionados investigaram a associação ou não do Diabetes Mellitus com manifestações bucais, excluindo a doença periodontal. RESULTADO: De 1164 artigos encontrados, 30 deles estavam de acordo com os critérios de inclusão, podendo permanecer no estudo. As manifestações bucais foram associadas com Diabetes Mellitus em 20 estudos. Os desfechos relacionados foram candidíase, hipossalivação, líquen plano bucal, estomatite por dentadura e lesões linguais. CONCLUSÃO: Os pacientes portadores de Diabetes Mellitus estão mais predispostos a apresentar candidíase e hipossalivação, podendo agravar muito determinadas condições de saúde bucal.
Trastuzumab-Related Cardiotoxicity in Early Breast Cancer: A Cohort Study
Authors: Bonifazi Martina , Franchi Matteo , Rossi Marta , Moja Lorenzo , Zambelli Alberto , Zambon Antonella , Corrao Giovanni , La Vecchia Carlo , Zocchetti Carlo , Negri Eva
Published: July 2013

Learning Objectives

Evaluate the frequency of trastuzumab-related serious cardiac events in clinical practice. Assess the cumulative incidence of cardiac disorders at 1, 2, and 3 years after first administration, irrespective of drug discontinuation. Identify predictors for the onset of cardiotoxicity.
Effects of landscape composition and configuration on migrating songbirds: inference from an individual‐based model
Authors: Cohen Emily B. , Pearson Scott M. , Moore Frank R.
Published: July 2013

The behavior of long‐distance migrants during stopover is constrained by the need to quickly and safely replenish energetic reserves. Replenishing fuel stores at stopover sites requires adjusting to unfamiliar landscapes with little to no information about the distribution of resources. Despite their critical importance to the success of songbird migration, the effects of landscape composition and configuration on fuel deposition rates (FDR [g/d]), the currency of migration, has not been tested empirically. Our objectives were to understand the effects of heterogeneous landscapes on FDR of forest‐dwelling songbirds during spring migration. The results of field experiments were used to parameterize a spatially explicit, individual‐based model of forest songbird movement and resulting FDR. Further field experiments were used to validate the results from the individual‐based model. In simulation experiments, we altered a Gulf South landscape in a factorial design to predict the effects of future patterns under different scenarios of land use change in which the abundance of high‐quality hardwood habitat and the spatial aggregation of habitat varied. Simulated FDR decreased as the amount of hardwood in the landscape decreased from 41% to 22% to 12%. Further, migrants that arrived in higher‐quality habitat types gained more mass. Counter to our expectations, FDR was higher with lower spatial aggregation of habitat. Differences in refueling rates may be most influenced by whether or not an individual experiences an initial searching cost after landing in poor‐quality habitat. Therefore, quickly locating habitat with sufficient food resources at each stopover may be the most important factor determining a successful migration. Our findings provide empirical evidence for the argument that hardwood forest cover is a primary determinant of the quality of a stopover site in this region. This study represents the first effort to empirically quantify FDRs based on the configuration of landscapes.
l‐Mimosine and Dimethyloxaloylglycine Decrease Plasminogen Activation in Periodontal Fibroblasts
Authors: Wehner Christian , Gruber Reinhard , Agis Hermann
Published: July 2013

Background: The use of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors such as l‐mimosine (L‐MIM) and dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG) to improve angiogenesis is a new approach for periodontal regeneration. In addition to exhibiting pro‐angiogenic effects, prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors can modulate the plasminogen activator system in cells from non‐oral tissues. This study assesses the effect of prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors on plasminogen activation by fibroblasts from the periodontium.

Methods: Gingival and periodontal ligament fibroblasts were incubated with L‐MIM and DMOG. To investigate whether prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors modulate the net plasminogen activation, kinetic assays were performed with and without interleukin (IL)‐1. Moreover, plasminogen activators and the respective inhibitors were analyzed by casein zymography, immune assays, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Results: The kinetic assay showed that L‐MIM and DMOG reduced plasminogen activation under basal and IL‐1–stimulated conditions. Casein zymography revealed that the effect of L‐MIM involves a decrease in urokinase‐type plasminogen activator activity. In agreement with these findings, reduced levels of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator and elevated levels of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 were observed.

Conclusion: L‐MIM and DMOG can reduce plasminogen activation by fibroblasts from the gingiva and the periodontal ligament under basal conditions and in the presence of an inflammatory cytokine.
Open‐Flap Versus Flapless Esthetic Crown Lengthening: 12‐Month Clinical Outcomes of a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Ribeiro Fernanda V. , Hirata Daniel Y. , Reis André F. , Santos Vanessa R. , Miranda Tamires S. , Faveri Marcelo , Duarte Poliana M.
Published: July 2013

Background: Excessive gingival display (EGD) has a negative impact on a pleasant smile. Minimally invasive therapeutic modalities have become the standard treatment in many dentistry fields. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of open‐flap (OF) and minimally invasive flapless (FL) esthetic crown lengthening (ECL) for the treatment of EGD.

Methods: A split‐mouth randomized controlled trial was conducted in 28 patients presenting with EGD. Contralateral quadrants received ECL using OF or FL techniques. Clinical parameters were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, and 12 months post‐surgery. The local levels of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) were assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and 3 months. Patients’ perceptions regarding morbidity and esthetic appearance were also evaluated. Periodontal tissue dimensions were obtained by computed tomography at baseline and correlated with the changes in the gingival margin (GM).

Results: Patients reported low morbidity and high satisfaction with esthetic appearance for both procedures (P >0.05). RANKL and OPG concentrations were increased in the OF group at 3 months (P <0.05). Probing depths were reduced for both groups at all time points, compared with baseline (P <0.05). There were no differences between groups for GM reduction at any time point (P >0.05).

Conclusions: FL and OF surgeries produced stable and similar clinical results up to 12 months. FL ECL may be a predictable alternative approach for the treatment of EGD.
Combined technology for clomazone herbicide wastewater treatment: three-dimensional packed-bed electrochemical oxidation and biological contact degradation
Authors: Feng Yujie , Liu Junfeng , Zhu Limin , Wei Jinzhi
Published: July 2013

The clomazone herbicide wastewater was treated using a combined technology composed of electrochemical catalytic oxidation and biological contact degradation. A new type of electrochemical reactor was fabricated and a Ti/SnO2 electrode was chosen as the anode in electrochemical-oxidation reactor and stainless steel as the cathode. Ceramic rings loaded with SnO2 were used as three-dimensional electrodes forming a packed bed. The operation parameters that might influence the degradation of organic contaminants in the clomazone wastewater were optimized. When the cell voltage was set at 30 V and the volume of particle electrodes was designed as two-thirds of the volume of the total reactor bed, the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate could reach 82% after 120 min electrolysis, and the ratio of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD)/COD of wastewater increased from 0.12 to 0.38. After 12 h degradation with biological contact oxidation, the total COD removal rate of the combined technology reached 95%, and effluent COD was below 120 mg/L. The results demonstrated that this electrocatalytic oxidation method can be used as a pretreatment for refractory organic wastewater before biological treatment.
Pilot-scale fluoride-containing wastewater treatment by the ballasted flocculation process
Authors: Wang Bin-yuan , Chen Zhong-lin , Zhu Jia , Shen Ji-min , Han Ying
Published: July 2013

A pilot-scale ballasted flocculation system was used to remove fluoride from one type of industrial wastewater. The system included the formation of calcium fluoride (CaF2) using calcium hydroxide followed by coagulation sedimentation. Calcium fluoride was recycled as nuclei for enhancing CaF2 precipitation and as a ballasting agent for improving fluoride removal and flocculation efficiency. Factors affecting fluoride and turbidity removal efficiencies, including pH in the CaF2-reacting tank and coagulation-mixing tank, sludge recycling ratio, and dosages of FeCl3 and polyacrylamide (PAM), were investigated in the pilot-scale system. The recycled CaF2 precipitates improved CaF2 formation kinetics, enhanced fluoride removal and flocculation performance. Under the optimized condition, the ballast flocculation process reduced fluoride concentration from 288.9 to 10.67 mg/L and the turbidity from 129.6 NTU to below 2.5 NTU.
Comparison of vertical and horizontal flow planted and unplanted subsurface flow wetlands treating municipal wastewater
Authors: Pandey M. K. , Jenssen P. D. , Krogstad T. , Jonasson Sven
Published: July 2013

In the search for design criteria for constructed wetlands (CWs) in Nepal a semi-scale experimental setup including horizontal flow (HF) and vertical flow (VF) CWs was developed. This paper compares the performance of HF and VF wetlands, and planted with unplanted beds. The experimental setup consists of two units of HF and VF beds of size 6 m × 2 m × 0.6 m and 6 m × 2 m × 0.8 m (length × width × depth) respectively. For both HF and VF systems, one unit was planted with Phragmites karka (local reed) and one was not planted. The systems were fed with wastewater drawn from the grit chamber of a municipal wastewater treatment plant. The media consisted of river gravel. In the first phase of the experiment the hydraulic loading rate (HLR) was varied in steps; 0.2, 0.08, 0.04 m3/m2/d and the percent removal increase with decrease in HLR for all beds and parameters except for total phosphorus. In the second phase the loading rate of 0.04 m3/m2/d was run for 7 months. In both parts of the experiment the planted beds performed better than the unplanted beds and the VF better than the HF beds. To meet Nepalese discharge standards HF beds are sufficient, but to meet stricter requirements a combination of HF and VF beds are recommended.
Input variable selection and calibration data selection for storm water quality regression models
Authors: Sun Siao , Bertrand-Krajewski Jean-Luc
Published: July 2013

Storm water quality models are useful tools in storm water management. Interest has been growing in analyzing existing data for developing models for urban storm water quality evaluations. It is important to select appropriate model inputs when many candidate explanatory variables are available. Model calibration and verification are essential steps in any storm water quality modeling. This study investigates input variable selection and calibration data selection in storm water quality regression models. The two selection problems are mutually interacted. A procedure is developed in order to fulfil the two selection tasks in order. The procedure firstly selects model input variables using a cross validation method. An appropriate number of variables are identified as model inputs to ensure that a model is neither overfitted nor underfitted. Based on the model input selection results, calibration data selection is studied. Uncertainty of model performances due to calibration data selection is investigated with a random selection method. An approach using the cluster method is applied in order to enhance model calibration practice based on the principle of selecting representative data for calibration. The comparison between results from the cluster selection method and random selection shows that the former can significantly improve performances of calibrated models. It is found that the information content in calibration data is important in addition to the size of calibration data.
Integrated planning of rehabilitation strategies for sewers
Authors: Kleidorfer Manfred , Möderl Michael , Tscheikner-Gratl Franz , Hammerer Max , Kinzel Heiko , Rauch Wolfgang
Published: July 2013

Building measures in sewer systems are increasingly driven by rehabilitation/retrofitting and adaptation needs. Aging infrastructure together with changing boundary conditions (due to climate change, land-use change, demographic change) and also changing design standards and legislation require a prospective design to preserve the functionality of urban drainage systems not only today, but also in a long-term perspective. To improve a prospective design of urban water infrastructure, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency funded the research project ‘REHAB – Integrated planning of rehabilitation strategies of urban infrastructure systems’. Therein a novel strategic planning tool which considers these external drivers of rehabilitation strategies is developed. In this study the scope of the project is described and, as well as first results regarding sewer pipe conditions, future development and vulnerability assessment are also discussed.
Biosorption of Cu(II) by powdered anaerobic granular sludge from aqueous medium
Authors: Zhou Xu , Chen Chuan , Wang Aijie , Jiang Guangming , Liu Lihong , Xu Xijun , Yuan Ye , Lee Duu-Jung , Ren Nanqi
Published: July 2013

Copper(II) biosorption processes by two pre-treated powdered anaerobic granular sludges (PAGS) (original sludges were methanogenic anaerobic granules and denitrifying sulfide removal (DSR) anaerobic granules) were investigated through batch tests. Factors affecting the biosorption process, such as pH, temperature and initial copper concentrations, were examined. Also, the physico-chemical characteristics of the anaerobic sludge were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy image, surface area and elemental analysis. A second-order kinetic model was applied to describe the biosorption process, and the model could fit the biosorption process. The Freundlich model was used for describing the adsorption equilibrium data and could fit the equilibrium data well. It was found that the methanogenic PAGS was more effective in Copper(II) biosorption process than the DSR PAGS, whose maximum biosorption capacity was 39.6% lower. The mechanisms of the biosorption capacities for different PAGS were discussed, and the conclusion suggested that the environment and biochemical reactions during the growth of biomass may have affected the structure of the PAGS. The methanogenic PAGS had larger specific surface area and more biosorption capacity than the DSR PAGS.
Development of a semi-automated model identification and calibration tool for conceptual modelling of sewer systems
Authors: Wolfs Vincent , Villazon Mauricio Florencio , Willems Patrick
Published: July 2013

Applications such as real-time control, uncertainty analysis and optimization require an extensive number of model iterations. Full hydrodynamic sewer models are not sufficient for these applications due to the excessive computation time. Simplifications are consequently required. A lumped conceptual modelling approach results in a much faster calculation. The process of identifying and calibrating the conceptual model structure could, however, be time-consuming. Moreover, many conceptual models lack accuracy, or do not account for backwater effects. To overcome these problems, a modelling methodology was developed which is suited for semi-automatic calibration. The methodology is tested for the sewer system of the city of Geel in the Grote Nete river basin in Belgium, using both synthetic design storm events and long time series of rainfall input. A MATLAB/Simulink® tool was developed to guide the modeller through the step-wise model construction, reducing significantly the time required for the conceptual modelling process.
Experimental study of the performance of a siphon sediment cleansing set in a CSO chamber
Authors: Zhou Yongchao , Zhang Yiping , Tang Ping , Chen Yongmin , Zhu David Z.
Published: July 2013

Model experiments were conducted to investigate the performance of a siphon sediment cleansing set (SSCS) for preventing sediment deposition on the combined sewer overflow (CSO) chamber bottom. The results confirmed the effectiveness of siphon suction in sediment removal in the chamber. The sediment scour test revealed that the equilibrium scour depth correlated significantly with the siphon-lift capacity of the SSCS, which was a function of the initial siphon head and the cross-sectional area ratio between the CSO chamber and the siphon.
Kinetics of heterogeneous methanolysis of sunflower oil with CaO∙ZnO catalyst: Influence of different hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Lukic Ivana , Kesic Zeljka , Maksimovic Svetolik , Zdujic Miodrag , Krstic Jugoslav , Skala Dejan
Published: July 2013

The kinetics of heterogeneous methanolysis of sunflower oil was studied at
60?C using mechanochemically synthesized CaO?ZnO as catalyst. Influence of
agitation speed, catalyst amount and methanol to oil molar ratio on the rate
of reaction was analyzed. The rate of the process depends on the two
resistances - mass transfer of triglycerides to the catalyst surface and
chemical reaction on the catalyst surface, which are defined as the values of
the overall triglyceride volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kmt,TG, and
the effective pseudo first-order reaction rate constant, k, respectively.
These kinetic parameters actually determine the value of the apparent
reaction rate constant, kapp, whose change with time is defined with the
change of triglyceride (TG) conversion. The kinetic model was proposed and
the model parameters determined.
Fractures of the third trochanter in horses: 8 cases (2000–2012)
Authors: Bertoni Lélia , Seignour Maeva , de Mira Monica C. , Coudry Virginie , Audigie Fabrice , Denoix Jean-Marie
Published: July 2013

Objective—To determine history; clinical, radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic features; management; and outcome associated with third trochanter fractures in horses.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—8 horses.

Procedures—Records from 2000 to 2012 were reviewed, and signalment, case history, severity and duration of lameness, results of physical and lameness examinations, imaging findings, management, and outcome were evaluated.

Results—All horses had a history of acute onset of severe lameness. Four of the 8 horses had localizing physical signs of fracture. No specific gait characteristics were identified. Ultrasonographically, there was a single bony fragment displaced cranially in 7 of 8 horses and multiple bony fragments in 1. Concurrent gluteus superficialis muscle enthesopathy was identified in 7 horses. A standing craniolateral-caudomedial 25° oblique radiographic view was obtained in 3 horses to document the lesion and revealed in all 3 horses a simple complete longitudinal fracture between the midlevel and the base of the third trochanter. Nuclear scintigraphy was used to identify the affected area of the limb for further examination in 2 horses. Follow-up revealed that fractures healed with a fibrous union, with persistence of cranial displacement of the fragment. Lameness resolved after nonsurgical management for all horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Fracture of the third trochanter should be considered as a cause of hind limb lameness in horses when the proximal portion of the limb is affected. Diagnosis can easily be made with ultrasonography, but nuclear scintigraphy may help in identifying the lesion. Prognosis for return to athletic activity is good after an appropriate period of rest and restricted exercise.
Effects of tulathromycin on incidence of various diseases and growth of young heifers
Authors: Stanton Amy L. , Kelton David F. , LeBlanc Stephen J. , Wormuth Jeanne , Fox Lawrence K. , Leslie Kenneth E.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To determine the effects of administration of 1 dose of tulathromycin on the incidence of various diseases and growth, identify risk factors for slow growth, and determine the association of Mycoplasma bovis status with the incidence of otitis media in calves.

Design—Randomized controlled trial and cross-sectional study.

Animals—788 dairy heifer calves (median age, 3 days).

Procedures—Calves received tulathromycin or a saline (0.9% NaCl) solution control treatment once. Calves were observed daily for 8 weeks by farm staff to detect diseases. Nasal swab specimens were collected from some calves for Mycoplasma spp culture.

Results—Tulathromycin-treated calves had significantly lower odds of developing otitis media (OR, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.58 to 0.82) versus control calves. Control calves had significantly higher odds of developing diarrhea (OR, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.6) versus tulathromycin-treated calves. Control calves and those with failure of passive transfer, fever, lameness, respiratory tract disease, or diarrhea had significantly lower average daily gain versus other calves. Seventeen of the 66 (26%) calves that underwent repeated testing had positive Mycoplasma spp culture results, but positive results were not associated with otitis media. One of 42 calves with otitis media tested for Mycoplasma spp had positive results, and 1 of 43 age-matched calves without otitis media had positive results.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tulathromycin-treated calves in this study had a lower incidence of diarrhea and otitis media versus control calves. Various diseases had negative effects on average daily gain. Mycoplasma bovis status was not associated with otitis media in calves.
Efficacy of feeding a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer or pooled maternal colostrum with a low IgG concentration for prevention of failure of passive transfer in dairy calves
Authors: Pithua Patrick , Aly Sharif S. , Haines Deborah M. , Champagne John D. , Middleton John R. , Poock Scott E.
Published: July 2013

Objective—To compare the efficacy of a lacteal-derived colostrum replacer (LDCR) for the prevention of failure of passive transfer of immunity (FPT) in calves with that of pooled maternal colostrum (MC).

Design—Randomized field trial.

Animals—568 heifer calves from 1 California dairy.

Procedures—Calves were randomly allocated to 1 of 2 treatment groups and fed 2 doses (200 g of IgG) of an LDCR or 3.8 L of pooled MC. From each calf, blood samples were collected before and approximately 24 hours after treatment. Serum IgG and total protein (TP) concentrations were quantified with standard methods, and the apparent efficiency of IgG absorption was calculated.

Results—At 24 hours after treatment, mean serum TP and IgG concentrations were significantly lower for calves fed pooled MC (TP, 4.77 g/dL; IgG, 7.50 g/L), compared with those for calves fed the LDCR (TP, 5.50 g/dL; IgG, 15.15 g/L). Calves fed the LDCR were 95% less likely to develop FPT (OR, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.03 to 0.08) than were calves fed pooled MC. However, the mean IgG concentration in the pooled MC fed during the study (21.1 g/L) was substantially lower than that (64.3 g/L) determined for representative samples of pooled MC from other southwestern US dairies during a national survey.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that, on this particular dairy, calves fed an LDCR were at less risk of developing FPT than were calves fed pooled MC. The LDCR evaluated was a viable alternative for the prevention of FPT in calves.
Amorphous - Nanocrystalline Melt Spun Al-Si-Ni Based Alloys Modified with Cu and Zr
Authors: Kukuła-Kurzyniec A. , Dutkiewicz J. , Ochin P. , Perrière L. , Dłuzewski P. , Góral A.
Published: July 2013

In the present paper glass forming ability and structure of Al-Si-Ni based alloys were investigated. Three alloys starting from the ternary Al78Si12Ni10 [alloy 1], Al75Si12Ni8Zr5 [alloy 2] and Al73Si5Ni7Cu8Zr7 [alloy 3] were subjected to melt spinning process. The mean thickness of the obtained ribbons amounted between 25 and 40 μm. XRD and DSC studies showed predominantly amorphous structure of the ribbons. STEM and HRTEM methods confirmed participation of crystalline phase identified mainly as Al solid solution with the grain size near 10 nm. The mean microhardness [0.1N] of the ribbons was measured for alloys 1 - 3 respectively: 457 HV, 369 HV and 536 HV. The high value of hardness can be related to the presence of α-Al dispersoids in the amorphous matrix.