bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal marginal iodine deficiency affects the expression of relative proteins during brain development in rat offspring
Authors: Liu Yuhui , Zhang Le , Li Jing , Shan Zhongyan , Teng Weiping
Published: January 2013

Marginal iodine deficiency is a major health problem in pregnant women, but its impact on nerve and intelligence development in offspring has been rarely reported. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal marginal iodine deficiency on nerve and cognitive development in offspring and the related mechanisms. Marginal iodine-deficient rats were given 3 μg iodine per day, while normal control rats were given 4 μg iodine daily. Western blot was used to detect the amounts of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) in the hippocampus of each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure c-jun and c-fos expression in the hippocampal CA1 region. Finally, the water maze method was used to measure spatial performance. Free thyroxine (FT4) levels in marginal iodine-deficient rats decreased by about 30%. Seven days after birth, EGR1 and BDNF protein levels significantly decreased in the hippocampus of marginal iodine deficiency rats compared with the normal control group. In addition, c-jun and c-fos expression in the hippocampus of 40-day-old rats was decreased in marginal iodine-deficient rats, compared with control. The spatial learning and memory ability of 40-day-old marginal iodine-deficient rats had a downward trend compared with the normal control group. FT4 significantly decreased after pregnancy in rats with marginal iodine deficiency, affecting the expression of related proteins in the brain of offspring.
The caspase-dependent apoptosis gradient in the testis of the blue shark, Prionace glauca
Authors: McClusky Leon M
Published: January 2013

The severe degenerative phenomena that characterises spermatogenesis in mating blue sharks involves spatially separated germ cell and Sertoli cell apoptosis. Unlike that observed in multilayered type B spermatogonial and spermatocyte cysts caspase-3-dependent apoptosis of single and multinucleate type B spermatogonia in one to three spermatogonial layered cysts resulted in their complete fragmentation, delayed phagocytic removal and displacement of the apoptotic bodies towards the perilumenar Sertoli nuclei. Changes were observed in the immunostaining patterns of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), including subtle changes in cytoplasmic and overall intense immunostaining, labelled single and multinucleate cell (MNC) apoptotic spermatogonial masses in premeiotic cysts in different stages of the protracted death process. Initial massive MNC formation at the mitosis–meiosis transition eventually left its imprint in the spermatogenic sequence in the form of vacuolated areas in the affected and subsequent stages. Some of the latter attempted further developmental advance but eventually degenerated. The observed higher PCNA index of spermatogonia in vacuolated testes compared to testes with the MNC type of degeneration indicated that the former testicular morphology represented, in essence, the recovery phase from the pronounced MNC death earlier. Events culminating in the eventual apoptotic demise of the Sertoli cells themselves included the abortion of further development (presumably due to a suboptimal Sertoli:germ cell ratio) of those germ cells left over from the wave of MNC death that swept the cysts. Eventually the Sertoli-cell-only cysts became apoptotic as they were engulfed by the infiltrating lymphomyeloid cells from the epigonal organ associated with the mature pole of the testis.
Organizational Justice and Major Depressive Episodes in Japanese Employees: A Cross‐sectional Study
Authors: Inoue Akiomi , Kawakami Norito , Tsuno Kanami , Tomioka Kimiko , Nakanishi Mayuko
Published: January 2013

Organizational Justice and Major Depressive Episodes in Japanese Employees: A Cross‐Sectional Study: Akiomi INOUE, et al. Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan—

Objectives

Several European studies showed that low organizational justice (i.e., procedural justice and interactional justice) was associated with major depressive disorders. In these studies, however, the diagnosis of major depressive disorders may be underestimated because they identified only individuals who visited a doctor and Received a diagnosis. Moreover, these studies did not consider neurotic personality traits, which can affect the occurrence of major depressive disorders. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the cross‐sectional association of organizational justice with major depressive episodes in the past 12 months more precisely in Japanese employees.

Methods

A total of 425 males and 708 females from five branches of a manufacturing company in Japan completed self‐administered questionnaires measuring organizational justice, other job stressors (i.e., job strain, social support at work, and effort‐reward imbalance), neuroticism, and demographic characteristics. A web‐based self‐administered version of the computerized Composite International Diagnostic Interview Version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) was used to assess major depressive episodes. Logistic regression analyses were conducted.

Results

In the univariate analysis, low procedural justice and low interactional justice were significantly associated with major depressive episodes in the past 12 months. After adjusting for other job stressors and demographic characteristics, only the association of interactional justice remained significant. The moderating effect of neuroticism on the association of organizational justice with major depressive episodes in the past 12 months was not significant.

Conclusions

Low interactional justice may be associated with major depressive disorders regardless or other job stressors or neurotic personality traits.
Incorporation of Project‐based Learning into an Occupational Health Course
Authors: Dehdashti Alireza , Mehralizadeh Semira , Kashani Masoud Motalebi
Published: January 2013

Incorporation of Project‐based Learning into an Occupational Health Course: Alireza DEHDASHTI, et al. Occupational Health Department, Faculty of Health, Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Iran—

Objective

Use of an appropriate teaching approach is a major concern for faculty members who are involved in occupational health and safety academic education. The challenge is to explore teaching tools to equip students with knowledge and skills to prepare them for their practices, in which they will encounter occupational health and safety issues in various occupational settings. The current study presents the design and implementation of a team project‐based learning approach for undergraduate occupational health students to examine the appropriateness and perceptions of students and educators with regard to such a learning experience. Methodology: Steps were taken to guide the educators and students through the learning process based on projects completed in teams. The research tools for collecting data were a questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews with participants.

Results

The results illustrated that use of the proposed teaching approach as part of occupational health education may have the potential to motivate and enhance the active roles of educators and students in the learning process, and improve students' technical and social skills that are crucial for practice in the occupational health field.

Conclusions

The study findings showed that project‐based learning may provide a promising teaching strategy in the education and training of occupational health students. In addition, academic institutions should encourage educators to plan, introduce and evaluate the effectiveness of project‐based learning.
Association between Paraoxonase 2 Gene Polymorphisms and Noise‐induced Hearing Loss in the Chinese Population
Authors: Li Xiu‐Ting , Li Xin , Hu Fei‐Fei , Shen Huan‐Xi , Cao Jing‐Lian , Zhong Li , Zhang Zheng‐Dong , Zhu Bao‐Li
Published: January 2013

Association between Paraoxonase 2 Gene Polymorphisms and Noise‐induced Hearing Loss in the Chinese Population: Xiu‐Ting LI, et al. Department of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, China—

Objectives

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether PON2 gene polymorphisms (rs7493, rs12026, rs12704796, rs7785846 and rs7786401) are associated with susceptibility to noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) in the Chinese population.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted using 615 cases selected without any restriction in age or sex and 644 controls who were matched with the cases in terms of age, gender and the intensity and duration of exposure to noise. Information on these subjects was gathered by questionnaires that were administered through face‐to‐face interviews by trained interviewers.

Results

We found that the rs7493 CG + GG genotype (OR=1.36, 95% CI, 1.08−1.72), rs12026 CG + GG genotype (OR=1.34, 95% CI, 1.06−1.70), rs7785846 CT + TT genotype (OR=1.36, 95% CI, 1.07−1.71) and rs7786401 GT + TT genotype (OR=1.33, 95% CI, 1.05−1.68) were risk factors for NIHL.

Conclusions

PON2 gene polymorphisms may be associated with susceptibility to NIHL in the Chinese population.
Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Touching of the Eyes or Nose: A Cross‐sectional Study of Japanese Workers
Authors: Fukunaka Yasushi , Sawada Susumu S. , Nishiura Chihiro , Noguchi June , Tsukamoto Koji , Otsuji Yutaka , Marui Eiji
Published: January 2013

Susceptibility to Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Touching of the Eyes or Nose: A Cross‐sectional Study of Japanese Workers: Yasushi FUKUNAKA, et al. Department of Safety and Health, Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd.—

Objectives

This study was a cross‐sectional survey of Japanese workers regarding the relationship between touching the eyes or nose and susceptibility to URTI in workers.

Methods

The survey respondents were 4,663 Japanese workers. Subjects were surveyed via a self‐administered questionnaire regarding their susceptibility to URTI and how often they touched their eyes or nose. In addition, subjects were surveyed regarding their preventive behaviors and routine behaviors thought to be associated with URTIs. A multiple logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between susceptibility to URTI and how often the eyes or nose are touched.

Results

Responses from 3,663 individuals who answered the self‐administered questionnaire were analyzed. There were 1,590 individuals (42.9%) with a “frequent incidence of URTIs”, defined as URTIs more than once a year. In terms of how often the eyes or nose are touched, the odds ratios (95% CI) for a frequent incidence of URTIs among the groups responding “sometimes” and “often” were 1.41 (1.21−1.63) and 1.96 (1.59−2.42) (trend test: p<0.001) compared with the groups responding “never” and “almost never”. Multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios adjusted for confounding factors, i.e., behaviors to prevent URTIs, routine behaviors associated with URTIs, age, sex and BMI, were 1.33 (1.14−1.54) and 1.69 (1.36−2.09) (trend test: p<0.001).

Conclusions

The present cross‐sectional study indicates that susceptibility to URTI and how often the eyes or nose are touched are significantly associated in Japanese workers, independent of preventive behaviors and routine behaviors associated with URTIs.
Adição de carotenóides naturais e artificiais na alimentação de galinhas poedeiras: efeitos na qualidade de ovos frescos e armazenados
Authors: Spada Fernanda Papa , Brazaca Solange Guidolin Canniatti , Coelho Antonio Domingos , Savino Vicente José Maria , França Luciano Cristiano , Correr Edival , Martins Edmilson , Fischer Flávia Salgado , Lemes Dayane Elizabeth Aoqui
Published: January 2013

A pesquisa teve como objetivo avaliar os atributos de qualidade e de durabilidade dos ovos de duas diferentes linhagens de poedeiras, com dietas contendo aditivos artificiais ou naturais, em diferentes períodos de armazenamento. Foram quantificadas durante o armazenamento as variáveis perda de peso, pH da gema e albúmen, gravidade específica, índice de gema (IG) e foi realizada também classificação por peso e Unidade Haugh (UH). Os resultados foram avaliados segundo teste de Tukey (P≤0,05). As linhagens diferiram quanto à classificação extra dos ovos, com maior porcentagem para a Isa Brown. Os ovos obtidos das poedeiras Carijó apresentaram maior porcentagem de gema (Carijó 30,66 e Isa-Brown 24,55). O tempo de armazenamento fez com que a porcentagem de gema aumentasse nas duas linhagens (Carijó 30,66 tempo zero para 34,85 depois de 36 dias; e Isa- Brown de 24,55 para 27,48). As dietas com aditivos artificiais ou naturais não influenciaram a porcentagem de clara (% Clara 58,72 Controle; 59,52 Aditivo; 60,11 Urucum 1,5%; 59,43 e de gema %Gema 27,64 Controle; 27,90 Aditivo; 27,21 Urucum 1,5%; 27,66 Urucum 2%). O pH da clara diferiu entre os tratamentos no tempo inicial e aos 36 dias de armazenamento, mas o pH da gema não diferiu durante todo o armazenamento. O índice de gema diferiu nos tempos de armazenamento, mas não diferiu considerando os tratamentos. Em dietas com aditivos artificiais ou naturais, as linhagens e os tempos de armazenamento influenciam na qualidade e durabilidade dos ovos.
Anatomia radiográfica da região proximal do fêmur: correlação com a ocorrência de fraturas
Authors: Pires Robinson Esteves Santos , Prata Eric Fontes , Gibram Athos Vilela , Santos Leandro Emilio Nascimento , Lourenço Paulo Roberto Barbosa de Toledo , Belloti João Carlos
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se existe correlação entre parâmetros radiográficos da anatomia da região proximal do fêmur e a ocorrência de fraturas. MÉTODOS: Trezentas e cinco radiografias digitais da bacia foram analisadas na incidência ântero-posterior. Destas radiografias, vinte e sete apresentavam fratura do colo femoral ou transtrocantérica. Os parâmetros anatômicos analisados foram: Largura do colo femoral (LCF), comprimento do colo femoral (CCF), comprimento do eixo femoral (CEF), ângulo cérvico-diafisário (ACD), distância entre as lágrimas acetabulares (DLA) e a distância grande trocânter- sínfise púbica (DGTSP).Foram analisadas, comparativamente, as radiografias com e sem fratura da região proximal do fêmur, para verificar se existem parâmetros radiográficos que estão associados com maior probabilidade de ocorrência de fratura do colo femoral ou transtrocantérica. RESULTADOS: Não foi encontrada diferença entre os parâmetros anatômicos dos grupos com e sem fratura na região proximal do fêmur. CONCLUSÃO: Não foi encontrada nenhuma associação entre alterações anatômicas na região proximal do fêmur e maior susceptibilidade à ocorrência de fraturas. Nível de evidência IV, Estudo Transversal.
Estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem em nervo ciático de ratos: estudo pelo IFC
Authors: Leoni Anita Sofia Leite , Mazzer Nilton , Guirro Rinaldo Roberto de Jesus , Jatte Fernanda Guadallini , Chereguini Paulo Augusto Costa , Monte-Raso Vanessa Vilela
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Analisar a eficiência do tratamento com a estimulação elétrica de alta voltagem (EEAV) em três diferentes locais, aplicada precocemente na regeneração do nervo ciático submetido à lesão por esmagamento, e avaliada através do índice funcional do ciático (IFC), em ratos. MÉTODO: Após o esmagamento, 57 ratos foram submetidos à EEAV catódica nos parâmetros: frequência de 50Hz, 100V de tensão, 20 minutos diários, 5 dias por semana. Os ratos foram divididos aleatoriamente em: grupo controle; grupo gânglio; grupo gânglio + músculo; grupo músculo e; grupo simulado. O IFC foi avaliado semanalmente durante sete semanas, partindo do pré-operatório até a 6ª semana pós-operatória. RESULTADOS: Em comparação ao grupo controle, os resultados mostraram desempenho significativamente superior do grupo gânglio nas três primeiras semanas, e do grupo gânglio + músculo na 3ª semana, enquanto o grupo músculo teve desempenho significativamente negativo na 4ª e 6ª semanas. CONCLUSÃO: a EEAV aplicada precocemente, foi positiva no tratamento da região da medula e gânglio da raiz nervosa do ciático com o eletrodo dispersivo na região lombar contralateral ou no músculo gastrocnêmio. Porém, proporcionou efeitos negativos no tratamento com eletrodo ativo no músculo gastrocnêmio e dispersivo na coxa contralateral. Nível de evidência II, Estudo prospectivo comparativo.
Ação do laser terapêutico e do ultrassom na regeneração nervosa periférica
Authors: Oliveira Fabrício Borges , Pereira Valéria Martins Dias , Trindade Ana Paula Nassif Tondato da , Shimano Antônio Carlos , Gabriel Ronaldo Eugênio Calçada Dias , Borges Ana Paula Oliveira
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a ação precoce do laser terapêutico e do ultrassom no processo de regeneração de uma lesão experimental em ratos. MÉTODO: Utilizou-se 24 ratos. Dezoito foram submetidos ao procedimento cirúrgico de lesão do nervo ciático por compressão, através de uma pinça hemostática acima da fossa poplítea. Os animais foram divididos em três grupos com seis animais em cada. Grupo controle normal. GI: controle lesado sem intervenção terapêutica. GII: intervenção terapêutica do laser ArGaAl. GIII: intervenção terapêutica do ultrassom Pulsado. Iniciamos as intervenções terapêuticas 24 horas após a lesão, com aplicações diárias, por um período de quatorze dias consecutivos. RESULTADOS: Ao avaliar a perimetria dos músculos da coxa direita obteve-se os seguintes valores médios de diminuição (mm), para cada grupo GI: 0,45; GII: 0,42; GIII: 0,40. Quanto ao tempo de deslocamento tanto o GII e GIII apresentaram diferença significativa, quando comparados ao GI. Na avaliação final do IFC o GII sobressaiu ao GIII. Quanto a cicatrização observou-se grande melhora no GII e GIII. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados evidenciaram que a recuperação nervosa foi maior com a aplicação do laser. Nível de evidência II, Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento
Reimplantes nas amputações por mecanismo de avulsão: táticas e técnicas para o sucesso
Authors: Paulos Renata Gregorio , Simão Danielle Tiemi , Mattar Júnior Rames , Rezende Marcelo Rosa de , Wei Teng Hsiang , Torres Luciano Ruiz
Published: January 2013

OBJETIVOS: Avaliação retrospectiva criteriosa de casos de reimplantes após amputação por avulsão. Avaliação de técnicas e táticas utilizadas que determinaram evolução satisfatória e bom resultado funcional. METÓDOS: Foram avaliados, retrospectivamente, prontuários de 43 pacientes que tiveram membros amputados por mecanismo de avulsão e reimplantados nos últimos 21 anos. RESULTADOS: A maior parte dos casos envolvia homens adultos jovens. A localização de amputação mais frequente foi do polegar. As técnicas e táticas cirúrgicas utilizadas isoladas ou conjuntamente incluem: enxertos de nervo, enxertos vasculares (veia ou artéria), transposição de feixe vascular digital, encurtamento do membro e reimplante heterotópico. A técnica mais frequentemente utilizada foi o emprego de enxertos venosos. A taxa de sobrevida dos reimplantes foi alta (93%), assim como a satisfação dos pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Os reimplantes por mecanismo de avulsão dependem do correto diagnóstico de viabilidade anatômica e utilização de técnicas e táticas cirúrgicas apropriadas para cada caso. A experiência da equipe cirúrgica e estrutura hospitalar adequada são fundamentais para obtenção de bons resultados. Existem poucos relatos na literatura sobre indicação, tática, técnicas e resultados de procedimentos de reimplantes em amputações por avulsão. Acreditamos que a avaliação retrospectiva desta série de casos possa trazer novas informações e contribuições no atendimento desta situação de alta complexidade. Nível de evidência IV, Série de casos.
Treinamento em pesquisa global em cirurgia ortopédica: semente para uma rede internacional
Authors: Ferreira Ana Paula Bonilauri , Rajgor Dimple , Shah Jatin , Shah Anand , Pietrobon Ricardo
Published: January 2013

Apesar da importância de praticar o atendimento de saúde baseado em evidências, os cirurgiões ortopedistas têm direcionado poucos esforços para gerar essas evidências. Mesmo quando presente, a evidência publicada é falha quanto ao rigor metodológico e sabe-se que é imprecisa. Um dos principais motivos para a falta de geração de evidências de qualidade é o baixo envolvimento dos cirurgiões ortopedistas na pesquisa e a falta de ambientes de treinamento estruturados em pesquisa, onde eles possam aprender conceitos, assim como aprimorar suas habilidades em pesquisa. Existe a necessidade de uma abordagem objetiva que possa equipar os cirurgiões ortopedistas com métodos eficientes para transitarem da pesquisa para a escrita. Descrevemos um programa pragmático de treinamento em pesquisa, planejado e desenvolvido pelo grupo de Pesquisa sobre Pesquisa, que visa montar uma rede global de pesquisadores ortopedistas treinados em métodos de pesquisa funcionais e padronizados. Também fornecemos um rápido panorama sobre os princípios do curso e suas ferramentas, assim como plataformas usadas nesse programa.
Observing changing ecological diversity in the Anthropocene
Authors: Schimel David S , Asner Gregory P , Moorcroft Paul
Published: January 2013

As the world enters the Anthropocene – a new geologic period, defined by humanity's massive impact on the planet – the Earth's rapidly changing environment is putting critical ecosystem services at risk. To understand and forecast how ecosystems will change over the coming decades, scientists will require an understanding of the sensitivity of species to environmental change. The current distribution of species and functional groups provides valuable information about the performance of various species in different environments. However, when the rate of environmental change is high, information inherent in the ranges of many species will disappear, since that information exists only under more or less steady‐state conditions. The amount of information about species' relationships to climate declines as their distributions move farther from steady state. New remote‐sensing technologies can map the chemical and structural traits of plant canopies and will allow for the inference of traits and, in many cases, species' ranges. Current satellite remote‐sensing data can only produce relatively simple classifications, but new techniques will produce data with dramatically higher biological information content.
Long‐term redevelopment of resource islands in shrublands of the Great Basin, USA
Authors: Morris Lesley R. , Monaco Thomas A. , Blank Robert , Sheley Roger L.
Published: January 2013

Soil resource availability in semi‐arid and arid shrubland ecosystems is highly heterogeneous and includes patterns of accumulation primarily beneath shrubs as opposed to shrub interspaces. These resource islands contribute to ecosystem resilience after natural disturbances such as fire, yet very little is known regarding their redevelopment following soil disturbance and shrub re‐colonization. Cultivation involves the removal of native vegetation and mixing of soils both vertically and horizontally. The old fields in this study offered a unique look at the long‐term redevelopment of resource islands under shrubs where cultivation was abandoned nearly a century ago. Using adjacent pairs of previously cultivated and native shrubland from three soil series, we sampled surface soils (0–5 cm) in microsites under shrubs and in the interspaces between them to examine if the soil fertility in old fields (C, N, P, Ca, Mg, K) had regained similar microsite patchiness to the native shrubland, if the values of each soil fertility measure in old fields were different from native shrubland, and if the overall microsite fertility under shrubs in old fields was different from non‐disturbed microsites. We found that while most of the resource island patterning had redeveloped, the content of each fertility measure had not recovered to pre‐disturbance levels. Further, the recovery was different between the soil series and between sites with different dominant shrub species. There were also differences between sites within the same soil series, suggesting that historical cultivation practices may influence resource island recovery in multiple ways. Overall, under‐shrub microsite fertility in previously cultivated areas was distinct from comparable under‐shrub microsites in native areas in two out of the three soil series. These findings suggest that while patterning may redevelop within 90 years, it may take over a century for resource island fertility to fully re‐establish in some formerly cultivated soils.
Evaluation of Allogenic Cellular Bone Graft for Ridge Augmentation: A Case Report
Authors: Sindler Arnold J. , Behmanesh Sara , Reynolds Mark A.
Published: January 2013

Introduction: The reconstruction of alveolar bone defects is often necessary to support successful implant therapy. Although multiple technologies are available to achieve ridge augmentation, the most widely used approaches combine an acellular graft material with guided bone regeneration. Recent advances in tissue banking make it possible to preserve mesenchymal stem cells and osteoprogenitor cells as part of an allogeneic cellular bone matrix that can further enhance the ability of the graft material to provide optimal results for ridge augmentation.

Case Presentation: This case report describes the clinical application and results of an allogenic bone matrix product retaining mesenchymal stem and osteoprogenitor cells for alveolar ridge augmentation before implant rehabilitation. The cellular bone matrix supported a radiographic gain of 4 to 6 mm in horizontal ridge width, permitting the placement of dental implants without secondary augmentation.

Conclusion: Cellular bone matrix appears to provide an important clinical alternative to acellular bone replacement grafts, particularly in light of its potential to achieve substantial gains in bone volume.
A Case Report Documenting a Rare Diagnosis of a Plasmablastic Lymphoma Situated Within Gingival Tissue in a Patient on Long‐Term Immunosuppressants for Kidney Transplant
Authors: Darcey James C. , Hall Gillian , Roberts Anthony
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Plasmablastic lymphoma is a high‐grade life‐threatening immunologic malignancy most often found in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is regarded as a unique AIDS‐related lymphoma that has been described in individuals without HIV. Intraoral presentation in such circumstances is extremely rare.

Case Presentation: A patient presented with an innocuous epulis and chronic periodontitis. The patient had a history of renal transplant and long‐term immunosuppression with cyclosporine. The localized area of gingival enlargement, although provisionally diagnosed as gingival disease modified by medication, was excised and subsequently confirmed as an acute plasmablastic lymphoma. Excised tissue was sent off for routine histopathologic examination. Latent membrane proteins were found for Epstein‐Barr virus. Atypical lymphoid tissue with multiple immune markers was indicative of a plasmablastic plasmacytoma, but this diagnosis was modified in light of the history of immunosuppression and positive Epstein‐Barr markers to a post‐transplant plasmablastic lymphoma. The patient was managed with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The patient is now posttreatment, and there are no signs of recurrence or metastasis.

Conclusions: This is a rare presentation. To our knowledge, there have been <10 oral cases ever reported in individuals without HIV. However, surgeons should recognize the importance of clinical diagnoses being supported with histopathologic examination to ensure that potentially life‐threatening misdiagnoses are not made.
Background‐Independent Quantitative Trait Loci for Drought Tolerance Identified Using Advanced Backcross Introgression Lines in Rice
Authors: Wang Yun , Zang Jinping , Sun Yong , Ali Jahuar , Xu Jianlong , Li Zhikang
Published: January 2013

Drought is one of the major abiotic stresses limiting rice (Oryza sativa L.) production. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for drought tolerance (DT) at the reproductive stage were identified with two sets of advanced backcross introgression lines (ILs) using a common donor Tarom Molaei introgressed separately into two recipients used as female parents, Teqing and IR64. A total of 24 and 22 QTL were identified in the IR64 and Teqing backgrounds, respectively, during the reproductive stage under drought and irrigated conditions for thousand‐grain weight, panicle number per plant, filled grains per panicle, seed fertility, and grain yield per plant. Most of these QTL showed obvious differential expression in response to drought stress. In addition, another 12 QTL were detected by the ratio of trait values under drought stress relative to the normal irrigation condition in the two backgrounds. The Tarom Molaei alleles at 8 of 12 loci with increased trait values could improve tolerance under drought stress. Only three (18.8%) DT QTL (QTgw7, QSf7, and QFgp11) were in common in the two backgrounds, clearly suggesting overwhelming genetic background effects on QTL detection for DT. Eight of the DT QTL identified were found to share the same genomic regions with previously reported DT‐related genes. Introgressing and pyramiding of favorable alleles from Tarom Molaei into Teqing and IR64 backgrounds may facilitate development of superior ILs with greater DT levels.
Periosteal Augmentation of Allograft Bone and its Effect on Implant Fixation - An Experimental Study on 12 Dogs§
Authors: Barckman Jeppe , Baas Jorgen , Sørensen Mette , Bechtold Joan E , Soballe Kjeld
Published: January 2013

Purpose:

Periosteum provides essential cellular and biological components necessary for fracture healing and bone repair. We hypothesized that augmenting allograft bone by adding fragmented autologous periosteum would improve fixation of grafted implants.

Methods:

In each of twelve dogs, we implanted two unloaded cylindrical (10 mm x 6 mm) titanium implants into the distal femur. The implants were surrounded by a 2.5-mm gap into which morselized allograft bone with or without addition of fragmented autologous periosteum was impacted. After four weeks, the animals were euthanized and the implants were evaluated by histomorphometric analysis and mechanical push-out test.

Results:

Although less new bone was found on the implant surface and increased volume of fibrous tissue was present in the gap around the implant, no difference was found between treatment groups regarding the mechanical parameters. Increased new bone formation was observed in the immediate vicinity of the periosteum fragments within the bone graft.

Conclusion:

The method for periosteal augmentation used in this study did not alter the mechanical fixation although osseointegration was impaired. The observed activity of new bone formation at the boundary of the periosteum fragments may indicate maintained bone stimulating properties of the transplanted cambium layer. Augmenting the bone graft by smaller fragments of periosteum, isolated cambium layer tissue or cultured periosteal cells could be studied in the future.
Life's Two Certainties: An Estate and Gift Tax Consulting Case
Authors: Huston G. Ryan , Huston Janet M.
Published: January 2013

This case requires students to perform the work of a partner in a private wealth practice, presenting a client with a comprehensive estate and gift tax plan. Employing three separate fictitious clients representing people with varying estate planning needs, the case requires students to consider multiple issues, both tax and non-tax. Estate and gift tax planning is different from income tax planning because of the impact of specific non-tax factors, such as family dynamics and fears and unknowns related to death. To develop a comprehensive estate and gift tax plan for their client, students must incorporate course topics and apply them to their particular fact pattern. This case furthers students' understanding of the interplay between estate and gift tax rules, develops their ability to generate relevant questions, exposes them to client dynamics, and cultivates critical thinking skills in the context of estate and gift tax planning.
Allele-Specific Transcriptional Activity at Type 2 Diabetes–Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Regions of Pancreatic Islet Open Chromatin at the JAZF1 Locus
Authors: Fogarty Marie P. , Panhuis Tami M. , Vadlamudi Swarooparani , Buchkovich Martin L. , Mohlke Karen L.
Published: January 2013

Translation of noncoding common variant association signals into meaningful molecular and biological mechanisms explaining disease susceptibility remains challenging. For the type 2 diabetes association signal in JAZF1 intron 1, we hypothesized that the underlying risk variants have cis-regulatory effects in islets or other type 2 diabetes–relevant cell types. We used maps of experimentally predicted open chromatin regions to prioritize variants for functional follow-up studies of transcriptional activity. Twelve regions containing type 2 diabetes–associated variants were tested for enhancer activity in 832/13 and MIN6 insulinoma cells. Three regions exhibited enhancer activity and only rs1635852 displayed allelic differences in enhancer activity; the type 2 diabetes risk allele T showed lower transcriptional activity than the nonrisk allele C. This risk allele showed increased binding to protein complexes, suggesting that it functions as part of a transcriptional repressor complex. We applied DNA affinity capture to identify factors in the complex and determined that the risk allele preferentially binds the pancreatic master regulator PDX1. These data suggest that the rs1635852 region in JAZF1 intron 1 is part of a cis-regulatory complex and that maps of open chromatin are useful to guide identification of variants with allelic differences in regulatory activity at type 2 diabetes loci.
The n-Point Condition and Rough CAT(0)
Authors: Buckley Stephen M. , Hanson Bruce
Published: January 2013

We show that for n ≥ 5, a length space (X; d) satisfies
a rough n-point condition if and only if it is rough
CAT(0). As a consequence, we show that the class
of rough CAT(0) spaces is closed under reasonably
general limit processes such as pointed and unpointed
Gromov-Hausdorff limits and ultralimits.
A multi-isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) approach to connecting European breeding and African wintering populations of barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Møller Anders P. , Van Wilgenburg Steven L.
Published: January 2013

A multi-isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H) approach to connecting European breeding and African wintering populations of barn swallow (Hirundo rustica)

Establishing links between breeding and wintering populations of longdistance
migratory birds and other animals is fundamental to several
aspects of migration research. However, severe limitations in our ability
to track small-bodied migratory species still limits this field despite several
recent technological breakthroughs. The measurement of naturally
occurring stable isotopes of several elements in the tissues of migrants that
travel across isotopic gradients or isoscapes has the potential to identify
large scale migratory connectivity without some of the biases associated
with the use of extrinsic markers. We investigated migratory connectivity
between European breeding and African wintering populations of barn
swallow (Hirundo rustica) by comparing feather isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H)
values with those expected from previously established feather isotopic
clusters for Africa. We used a likelihood approach to assigning individuals
to molt origins that also made use of prior information provided by ring
recoveries as part of the EURING and SAFRING ringing efforts. We found
evidence for strong isotopic spatial structure in the dataset, supporting
the notion of a migratory divide in Europe with birds breeding in the
Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Eastern Europe wintering in southern
Africa and virtually all samples from Switzerland westward being assigned to
clusters in the northern portion of the species’ winter range. Individuals from
the United Kingdom were assigned to areas including Namibia, Botswana,
northern South Africa, and along the coast of Mozambique and Tanzania.
Birds wintering in the northernmost region of the wintering grounds tended
to breed in the southernmost region of the breeding grounds, providing
some evidence of leap-frog migration. We detected a strong latitudinal
threshold in feather δ13C in Europe for African-grown feathers, suggesting
that birds breeding in southern Europe (< 50° Latitude) primarily used
C3-dominated habitats in Africa, whereas birds in northern Europe (> 53°
Latitude) primarily used C4-dominated habitats. Our results emphasize
the power in using a multi-isotope approach to assign individuals and
populations to known continental-scale isoscapes and the advantages of
combining isotopic and conventional (ring recovery) information within a
Bayesian assignment framework.
Strong Migratory Connectivity in a Declining Arctic Passerine
Authors: Macdonald C.A. , Fraser K.C. , Gilchrist H.G. , Kyser T.K. , Fox J.W. , Love O.P.
Published: January 2013

Determining how animal populations are linked in space and time is
important for identifying factors influencing population dynamics and
for effective conservation and management. Arctic-breeding migratory
passerines are declining and at risk due to forecasted climate change, but
are a challenge to monitor due to their inaccessible breeding locations,
long-distance migration routes and small body size. For the first time, we
combine sub-gram geolocator technology and stable-isotope analysis with
mark-recapture (banding) and citizen science data to determine patterns
of migratory connectivity for multiple populations of a declining North
American Arctic-breeding passerine, snow bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis).
We show strong evidence for an east-west parallel migratory system, with
Hudson Bay acting as a migratory divide. While band recoveries suggest
strong migratory connectivity among eastern wintering populations
(more than 95% of band recoveries reveal connections between western
Greenland and eastern North America), novel application of geolocators
and stable-hydrogen isotope analysis to a Canadian breeding population
revealed a high degree of migratory connectivity within western North
American wintering populations. Our results also show distinct differences
in migratory distance between eastern and western populations, and
illustrate how applying multiple techniques can effectively be used to track
migration patterns of remote populations. Differences in annual distribution
and migratory distance suggest that separate consideration of eastern
and western wintering populations may improve future conservation and
management efforts for this species.
Porous nanoparticles of metoprolol tartrate produced by spray-drying: development, characterization and in vitro evaluation
Authors: Khan Mohammed S. , Vishakante Gowda D. , Shivakumar H. G.
Published: January 2013

The present investigation was undertaken to fabricate porous nanoparticles of metoprolol tartrate by spray-drying using ammonium carbonate as pore former. Prepared nanoparticles were coated with Eudragit S100 polymer in order to prevent the release of metoprolol tartrate in the upper GI tract. It was shown that nanoparticles with low size ranges can be obtained with a low feed inlet rate. Micromeritic studies confirmed that nanoparticle batches are discrete and free flowing. Effects of the pore former on drug loading, porosity and in vitro release were studied. It was found that there was an increase in drug loading and porosity with increasing the amount of pore former. In vitro drug release studies showed that an increase in pore former made drug release faster. Release kinetics proved that nanoparticles follow a zero-order release mechanism.
Formulation design and evaluation of a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system of lovastatin
Authors: Goyal Urvash , Arora Ritika , Aggarwal Geeta
Published: January 2013

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) of lovastatin was aimed at overcoming the problems of poor solubility and bioavailability. The formulation strategy included selection of oil phase based on saturated solubility studies and surfactant and co-surfactant screening on the basis of their emulsification ability. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to identify the self-emulsifying region. Capryol 90 (20 %) as oil, Cremophore RH40 (40 %) as surfactant and Transcutol P (40 %) as co-surfactant were concluded to be optimized components. The prepared SMEDDS was characterized through its droplet size, zeta potential, emulsification time, rheological determination and transmission electron microscopy. The optimized formulation exhibited 94 % in vitro drug release, which was significantly higher than that of the drug solution. In vivo studies using the Triton-induced hyperlipidemia model in Wistar rats revealed considerable reduction in lipid levels compared to pure lovastatin. The study confirmed the potential of lovastatin SMEDDS for oral administration.
Quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship (QSPkP) analysis of the volume of distribution values of anti-infective agents from j group of the ATC classification in humans
Authors: Louis Bruno , Agrawal Vijay K.
Published: January 2013

In this study, a quantitative structure-pharmacokinetic relationship (QSPkR) model for the volume of distribution (Vd) values of 126 anti-infective drugs in humans was developed employing multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN) and support vector regression (SVM) using theoretical molecular structural descriptors. A correlation-based feature selection (CFS) was employed to select the relevant descriptors for modeling. The model results show that the main factors governing Vd of anti-infective drugs are 3D molecular representations of atomic van der Waals volumes and Sanderson electronegativities, number of aliphatic and aromatic amino groups, number of beta-lactam rings and topological 2D shape of the molecule. Model predictivity was evaluated by external validation, using a variety of statistical tests and the SVM model demonstrated better performance compared to other models. The developed models can be used to predict the Vd values of anti-infective drugs.
An in vitro and in vivo comparative study of directly compressed solid dispersions and freeze dried sildenafil citrate sublingual tablets for management of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zayed Reham , Kamel Amany O. , Shukr Marwa , El-Shamy Abd El-Hamid
Published: January 2013

Sildenafilcitrate (SILD) orodispersable sublingual tablets (ODSTs) have been developed using two comparative techniques for improving their oral disintegration, dissolution and bioavailability in order to manage acute attacks of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). The techniques employed were direct compression of SILD-poloxamer 188 solid dispersions (SDs) and freeze drying using various excipients. The physicochemical and solid- -state properties, as well as the dissolution behavior of the tablets were evaluated. Moreover, SILD bioavailability in human volunteers from the prepared ODSTs was compared to that of the conventional oral tablet. Incorporation of SD of poloxamer188 in sublingual tablets together with Pharmaburst using the direct compression technique enhanced the extent and dissolution rate of SILD with 100 % of drug being dissolved after 7 minutes. However, the lyophilization process was superior in enhancing dissolution and 100 % of SILD was dissolved after only one minute. Moreover, the in vivo study showed that the AUC0-12 of lyophilized tablets was significantly higher than that of directly compressed tablets, with bioavailability values of 159.81 and 140.85 %, respectively, compared to the commercial oral product
A compressibility and compactibility study of real tableting mixtures: the effect of granule particle size
Authors: Šantl Maja , Ilić Ilija , Vrečer Franc , Baumgartner Saša
Published: January 2013

This study investigates the effect of particle size on the compression characteristics of wet- (fluid-bed granulation - FBG) and dry-granulated (slugging - DGS) tableting mixtures. Particle-size distribution, flowability, compressibility, using the Heckel and Walker model, compactibility and elastic recovery as well as friability and disintegration were determined and compared between the two particle size fractions (180-400 μm, 400-710 μm) and initial unsieved mixtures. The results showed that the particle size of granules had no effect on the compressibility of the FBG and DGS mixtures, due to the high fragmenting nature of the formulation used in this study. On the other hand, compactibility was particle size dependent, as larger-sized fractions showed higher crushing strength, lower friability, and lower elastic recovery. This was attributed to increased fragmentation of larger particles, allowing stronger bonding between uncontaminated surface areas. As a result of better rearrangement of particles, both initial tableting mixtures showed lower compressibility and lower compactibility compared to their sieved fractions.
Structural investigations of CXCR2 receptor antagonists by CoMFA, CoMSIA and flexible docking studies
Authors: Gunda Shravan Kumar , Anugolu Rohith Kumar , Tata Sri Ramya , Mahmood Saikh
Published: January 2013

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Three-dimensional quantitative structure activity relationship (3D QSAR) analysis was carried out on a et of 56 N,N’-diarylsquaramides, N,N’-diarylureas and diaminocyclobutenediones in order to understand their antagonistic activities against CXCR2. The studies included comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA) and comparative molecular similarity indices analysis (CoMSIA). Models with good predictive abilities were generated with CoMFA q2 0.709, r2 (non-cross-validated square of correlation coefficient) = 0.951, F value = 139.903, r2 bs = 0.978 with five components, standard error of estimate = 0.144 and the CoMSIA q2 = 0.592, r2 = 0.955, F value = 122.399, r2 bs = 0.973 with six components, standard error of estimate = 0.141. In addition, a homology model of CXCR2 was used for docking based alignment of the compounds. The most active compound then served as a template for alignment of the remaining structures. Further, mapping of contours onto the active site validated each other in terms of residues involved with reference to the respective contours. This integrated molecular docking based alignment followed by 3D QSAR studies provided a further insight to support the structure-based design of CXCR2 antagonistic agents with improved activity profiles. Furthermore, in silico screening was adapted to the QSAR model in order to predict the structures of new, potentially active compounds.
A study of in situ fluid bed melt granulation using response surface methodology / Uporaba metodologije odgovornih površin za študij in situ granulacije s talinami v zvrtinčenih plasteh
Authors: Kukec Simon , Vrečer Franc , Dreu Rok
Published: January 2013

The objective of this work was to investigate the influence of selected individual variables (binder content, inlet air temperature, and product endpoint temperature) of in situ fluid bed melt granulation on the granule particle size distribution and percentage of dissolved carvedilol using a three-factor, five-level circumscribed central composite design. Increased binder content had the effect of increasing the granule particle size and drug dissolution rate. The effect of inlet air temperature and product endpoint temperature was found to be more pronounced in case of granule particle size parameters. Within the studied intervals, the optimal quantity of binder as well as optimal process parameters were identified and validated using response surface methodology. Utilizing these optimal process and formulation parameters, successful scaling up of the fluid bed melt granulation process was carried out. Granule characteristics obtained at pilot scale are comparable to those obtained at laboratory scale.