bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Early Stage of Large Granular Lymphocyte Leukemia in the F344 Rat
Authors: Losco P. E. , Ward J. M.
Published: January 2017

In the early stages of large granular lymphocyte leukemia of F344 rats, splenic congestion and lymphocytic depletion of the splenic white pulp are the most significant and consistent histologic findings. The diagnosis of early leukemia was confirmed by immunocytochemical demonstration that the cell surface of leukemic large granular lymphocytes reacted with OX-8 monoclonal antibodies and by transplantation of the disease at early stages to healthy weanling rats.
Benign and Malignant Epithelial Tumors of the Rete Testis in Mice
Authors: Yoshitomi K. , Morii S.
Published: January 2017

Two papillary cystadenomas and one papillary cystadenocarcinoma in the rete testis were found in two of 500 very old male JCL:ICR mice; the hosts had no other tumors. One mouse had bilateral cystic tumors. A 5 × 3 × 3 mm papillary cystadenoma was observed in the rete of the right testis. A 7 × 3 × 3 mm tumor with a mixed pattern of papillary cystadenocarcinoma and papillotubular adenocarcinoma was found in the rete of the left testis; the latter extended from the mediastinum to the ductuli efferentes and the caput epididymis. The other mouse had a 9 × 5 × 5 mm papillary cystadenoma of borderline malignancy in the rete of the right testis. The mice had no clinical signs.
Feline Bronchial Cytology: Histologic/Cytologic Correlation in 22 Cats
Authors: Greenlee P. G. , Roszel J. F.
Published: January 2017

Trichrome-stained bronchial washings were obtained from 22 cats at necropsy and compared to lung tissue sections obtained at the same time. In three of the 22 cats, antemortem bronchial washings also were obtained. Sixteen of the cats were clinically ill and six were clinically normal and served as controls. On the basis of comparison of histologic sections and bronchial washings, patterns were detected in the washings indicative of general processes such as alveolar edema, chronic passive congestion, mucous metaplasia, and inflammation. Two specific etiologic agents, Histoplasma capsulatum and Toxoplasma gondii, each were seen in one washing.
Ultrastructure of Prototheca zopfii in Bovine Granulomatous Mastitis
Authors: Cheville N. F. , McDonald J. , Richard J.
Published: January 2017

Mammary glands from cows with protothecal mastitis were examined by light and electron microscopy at 6, 13, 20, and >180 days after infection. With increasing time, there were increases in severity of granulomatous inflammation, number of endospores and sporangia, and ratio of degenerate to intact algae. Algae were found in macrophages but were not seen in neutrophils, epithelial cells, or myoepithelial cells. Macrophages containing algae were markedly enlarged, chiefly from reduplication of the Golgi complex and its associated vesicles. Intracellular algae were degenerate and consisted of intact cell wall profiles which contained membrane fragments but lacked nuclei and cytoplasmic organelles. Degenerate algae in vitro had thin cell walls and did not undergo internal lysis. Cell wall material of intracellular algae stained as an acidic, nonsulfated, carboxylated glycoprotein. These findings suggest that intracellular Prototheca zopfii degenerate by progressive lysis of internal organelles with persistence of cell wall glycans and that development of aberrant cell wall forms occurs as a defective response by host macrophages.
Filaroides hirthi: Hyperinfective Lungworm Infection in Immunosuppressed Dogs
Authors: Genta R. M. , Schad G. A.
Published: January 2017

Filaroides hirthi is a pulmonary parasite found primarily in beagle dogs. The modes of transmission and the life cycle of this parasite have been described recently, and the possibility of an autoinfectious cycle has been suggested. In this paper, we report two cases of experimentally immunosuppressed beagles (4 mg/day of prednisolone for over four months) in which massive disseminated F. hirthi infections developed. Large number of F. hirthi adults were present in the lungs, and larvae were found in lungs, mesenteric nodes, intestinal walls, and liver. While only minimal cellular responses were associated with the adult worms, a conspicuous mononuclear cell reaction was found around the larvae in the tissues. Since our dogs were caged to minimize contact with their own feces, we suggest that autoinfection took place in these dogs. Heavy worm burdens probably were reached because the reduced immune responses against the larvae facilitated their successful penetration of the intestinal wall and their recirculation within the host.
Malignant Lymphoma in a Colony of Macaca arctoides
Authors: Holmberg C. A. , Henrickson R. , Anderson J. , Osburn B. I.
Published: January 2017

Malignant lymphoma occurred in six Macaca arctoides from a colony of 83 animals during a 30-month period. The cells of two neoplasms had T cell markers. Concurrent disease processes included atypical mycobacterial disease in four macaques and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in one.
Necrosis and Rupture of the Aorta and Pulmonary Trunk in Four Horses
Authors: Linde-Sipman J. S. van der , Kroneman J. , Meulenaar H. , Vos J. H.
Published: January 2017

Four horses are described with rupture of the aortic arch and pulmonary trunk which resulted in a fistula between these vessels. Ruptures were located near the ligamentum arteriosum. Histological examination of the vessel walls revealed media necrosis which was probably due to intimal thickening and/or medial fibrosis of the vasa vasorum.
Lesions of Experimental Flea Bite Hypersensitivity in the Dog
Authors: Gross T. L. , Halliwell R. E. W.
Published: January 2017

Hypersensitivity to fleas was induced in flea-naive dogs by controlled challenge exposure to virgin fleas. By week 10 of the investigation, immediate (15 minute) and delayed (24–48 hours) responses could be elicited in the skin by flea bites. Histologically, the immediate response consisted of edema and eosinophils which sometimes overlapped with a delayed inflammatory response comprised of perivascular lymphocytes and fewer histiocytes. These inflammatory patterns correlated with type I or immediate, and type IV or cellular, allergic reactions. The combined immediate and delayed responses to fleas in the dog are as observed by other investigators in man and guinea pigs.
Effect of Nursing on Brucella abortus Infection of Mammary Glands of Goats
Authors: Meador V. P. , Deyoe B. L. , Cheville N. F.
Published: January 2017

Eight 1-year-old, goats were inoculated intravenously with Brucella abortus (B. abortus) on the day of parturition and necropsied at 28 days after inoculation. Four nursed their kids and four did not (milk was not removed from the udders). Tissues and fluids were examined by bacterial isolation, light microscopy, and serologic methods. Nonnursing goats had high titers of brucellae (≤108 organisms/ml) in milk (brucellae were isolated from four of four udders), had marked enlargement of supramammary lymph nodes, and had lymphoplasmacytic and histiocytic interstitial mastitis. Immunoperoxidase staining revealed that brucellae were primarily in macrophages and neutrophils of the mammary alveolar and ductal lumens and in macrophages of the subcapsular sinuses of the supramammary lymph node. In contrast, nursing goats excreted brucellae intermittently at low concentrations (< 103 organisms/ml) in milk; brucellae were isolated at necropsy from one of four udders; supramammary lymph nodes were not enlarged; and mammary lesions were not seen. Brucellae were detected in more tissues other than the udder, and serum anti- Brucella antibody titers were higher in nonnursing goats than in nursing goats. The present study indicates that the failure to nurse or release milk enhances localization and replication of B. abortus in mammary glands of goats after parturition, and that mammary gland infection may result in increased systemic spread and persistence of brucellae in the host.
The Expression of Intermediate Filaments in Canine Mammary Glands and Their Tumors
Authors: Hellmén E. , Lindgren A.
Published: January 2017

Monoclonal antibodies specific for different types of intermediate filaments (cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin and neurofilaments) were used to study the histogenesis of canine mammary glands and 57 canine mammary tumors by immunocytochemistry. The intra- and interlobular duct epithelium, acinar, and intralobular myoepithelial cells stained positively for cytokeratin. Peripheral ductal and acinar cells, as well as interstitial cells, stained positively for vimentin. A similar staining pattern was seen in adenomas, complex adenomas, benign mixed tumors, ductular carcinomas, and one myoepithelioma-like tumor. Additionally, cytokeratin positive cells were scattered interstitially in one single adenoma, most complex adenomas, some benign mixed tumors, complex carcinomas, and in the malignant mixed tumors. All stromal cells stained positively for vimentin. The fibrosarcomas were positive only for vimentin, while the following expressed both desmin and cytokeratin: epithelial-like cells in one adenoma, three complex adenomas, the myoepithelioma-like tumor, the single comedo carcinoma, two complex carcinomas, the single lobular carcinoma, one malignant mixed tumor, and three osteosarcomas. Epithelial-like cells in one adenoma, six complex adenomas, two benign mixed tumors, two complex carcinomas, the lobular carcinoma, and the malignant schwannoma stained for neurofilaments. Three tumors, one adenoma, one complex adenoma, and the lobular carcinoma expressed both desmin and neurofilaments in addition to cytokeratin and vimentin. The results show the expression of different types of intermediate filaments and indicate that there might be a stem cell origin in most of the canine mammary tumors.
Chronic Inflammatory Cells with Epithelial Cell Characteristics in Teleost Fishes
Authors: Noga E. J. , Dykstra M. J. , Wright J. F.
Published: January 2017

Certain cells that participate in the chronic inflammatory response of teleost fishes have many features typical of epithelioid cells of mammals. Such features include high metabolic activity, frequent phagolysosomes, and cytoplasmic interdigitations between adjacent cells; however, the epithelioid granulomas formed in response to certain diseases in teleost fishes also have several features associated with epithelial cells. Cases of ulcerative mycosis or acid-fast bacterial infection in Atlantic menhaden ( Brevoortia tyrannus), fungal infection in silver perch ( Bairdiella chrysoura), and mycobacteriosis in Mozambique tilapia ( Oreochromis mossambicus) had epithelioid cells that were joined together by well-formed desmosomes with tonofilaments. “Mature granulomas” of the ulcerative mycosis-infected menhaden stained positively for cytokeratin, a cytoskeletal protein that is considered to be highly specific for epithelial cells. The consistent presence of these heretofore unrecognized epithelial features suggest that they may be characteristic of certain types of cells participating in piscine chronic inflammation.
Clinical trial registration: The time has come
Authors: Chan Leighton , Heinemann Allen W
Published: January 2017

Note from the BJOT Editor-Chief

BJOT, like many major occupational therapy and rehabilitation journals, has already adopted guidelines for reporting. Since 2015, when the journal moved to SAGE for publication, BJOT has conformed to the ICMJE requirement ( International Committee of Medical Journal Editors[ICMJE], n.d. ) that clinical trials are registered in a WHO-approved public trials registry at or before the time of first patient enrolment as a condition of consideration for publication (see BJOT Submission Guidelines at bjo.sagepub.com for further information). We are reprinting this editorial to join our professional colleagues at the journals listed below in explaining why registration is so important for clinical trials.

In addition to publishing clinical trials, BJOT welcomes the submission of pilot/feasibility studies for clinical trials and RCT protocols and will spotlight examples in an online e-collection. Authors considering submission of a pilot or feasibility study for a future trial are not required to register this but are encouraged to contact the journal prior to submission if unsure.

This editorial is reprinted from the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 96, 2093. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2015.09.005 by permission.
The History of Omicron Delta Epsilon: The International Honor Society in Economics
Authors: Gunther William D.
Published: January 2017

This year represents the 100th anniversary of the founding of the first economics honor society at the University of Wisconsin. This society, along with one founded at Harvard that same year merged in 1915 creating the National Order of Artus. In 1955, another economic honor society, Omicron Chi Epsilon, was founded at the City College of New York. In 1963, Artus and Omicron Chi Epsilon merged to become Omicron Delta Epsilon. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the creation of Omicron Delta Epsilon. This is their story.
Adam Smith and the Great Deceleration in the U.S. Economy
Authors: Gerdes William D.
Published: January 2017

From Adam Smith's perspective, the most prominent macroeconomic happening of the post-World War II period was not the Great Moderation, nor was it the recent Great Recession. Instead, it was the secular deceleration in economic growth occurring in the U.S., or the Great Deceleration. Smith's growth theory and his measure of aggregate output are employed in analyzing and documenting this Great Deceleration. From Smith's perspective, the most likely causal forces are the same ones that were retarding economic growth in eighteenth-century England: government command over resources and also its growth-inhibiting policies. On a positive note, Smith would consider the Great Deceleration as reversible.
Estimation of a Health Production Function: Evidence from East-European Countries
Authors: Fayissa Bichaka , Traian Anca
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study is to estimate a health production function for 13 East European countries.1 Using panel data from 1997 to 2005 on a diverse array of economic, demographic, environmental, and lifestyles factors, we analyze a health production function at the macro level in order to determine the most efficient way of allocating limited resources for improving the overall health status of countries in the sample. To control for individual country heterogeneity, we employ panel analytic methods of fixed effects, random effects, and Arellano–Bond estimator. The results indicate that economic growth as measured by GDP per capita, number of doctors, investment in human capital formation, reduction of air pollution, and residence in urban areas significantly reduce infant mortality and thus improve the health status of countries in the sample. These findings are useful, not only for serving as background for health care policy decisions, but also for a better understanding of the factors that affect the health condition of the region.
What Really Happens in the Solow Model: Technological Progress Versus Population Growth?
Authors: Quinn Kevin , Hoag John
Published: January 2017

We develop a graphical framework that allows students to easily see that a change in the growth rate of population and the growth rate of efficiency of labor have different impacts on the time path of capital and output per unit of labor.
Personal Emergency Response Systems: Communication Technology Aids Elderly and Their Families
Authors: Dibner Andrew S.
Published: January 2017

Personal emergency response systems (PRS), electronic technology that can summon help to disabled or frail persons living alone, have achieved rapid acceptance in home health care in the past 10 years. This article summarizes research on user characteristics, emergency rates, psychological effects, and effects on health service use. Typical PRS subscribers average 78 years of age, have multiple physical problems, and live alone. They average .5 emergencies per year, 36% of which require hospitalization. PRS has strong psychological effects, reducing anxiety in subscribers and stress in their families. Several studies show reduced hospital admissions and earlier discharge, delay of nursing home entry, and reduced need for personal-care attendants at home with resulting cost savings.
Male reproductive impacts of styrene in rat
Authors: Chamkhia Naoufel , Sakly Mohsen , Rhouma Khémais Ben
Published: January 2017

To determine the effect of styrene on the male reproductive function of rats, male Wistar rats received a daily intraperitoneal (ip) injection of the xenobiotic at a dose of 600 mg/kg body weight. Serum testosterone (T) level was measured in duplicate by radioimmunoassay (RIA). Blood luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) concentrations were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). After 10 days of treatment, an increase of the relative weight of the testis occurred, but that of the seminal vesicles and prostate remained unchanged compared to controls injected with an equivalent volume of the vehicle (corn oil). Serum T concentration dropped, while serum hypophyse hormone levels increased. Testicular histological observations revealed a pronounced morphological alteration, with enlarged intracellular spaces, loosening of tissue, and dramatic loss of gametes in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules. Spermatogenesis damage was also confirmed by the decrease in motility and the number of epididymal spermatozoa of treated rats. According to these results, with regard to the lack of a dose response relationship in this study, we may conclude that the testis, precisely the germinal and Sertoli cells, are the major targets for styrene toxicity.
Methodological Discourse in Sociological Research and Social Representation of Deviance in the Study of Ideology
Authors: van Meter Karl M.
Published: January 2017

Discours methodologique dans la recherche sociologique et representation sociale de la deviance dans l'etude de l'ideologie. Des recherches recentes en representation sociale et en methodologie sociologique, et en particulier l'analyse des Actions thematiques programmees (AlP) du CNRS et de la litterature scientifique sociologique en franais, demontrent que la representation sociale et Ie discours sur la methodologie jouent un role important dans la determination du produit de la recherche sociologique. Representation sociale, methodologie, analyse de discours, sociologie franaise, deviance, ideologie.

Recent research in social representation and sociological methodology, and in particular the analysis of French governent sponsored sociological research projects (AlPs) and French scientific literature in sociology, show that social representation and discourse on methodology play an important role in determining the outcome of sociological research. Social representation, methodology, discourse analysis, French sociology, deviance, ideology.
Classification Descendante Hierarchique et Analvse Lexicale par Contexte - Application au Corpus des Poesies D'A. Rihbaud
Authors: Reinert par Max
Published: January 2017

Hierarchically descending classification and lexical analysis by context: application to the corpus of A. Ri baud's poetry. Using a lexical analysis by context and a hierarchically descending classification method, the author examines the corpus of Rimbaud's poetry. Two different codings of the corpus with the use cf the same method of analysis, plus other methods also, furnish a means of judging the stability of the results obtained. Lexical analysis, Arthur Rimbaud, methodology, hierarchically descending classification analysis, coding.

Employant une analyse lexicale par contexte et une methode de classification descendante hierarchique, l'auteur examine Ie corpus de la poese de Rimbaud. Deux codages differents de ce corpus et l'application de la meme methode d'analyse, plus l'utilisation d'autres methodes, permettent de juger la stabilite des resultats obtenus. Analyse lexicale, Arthur Rimbaud, methodologie, classificton descendante hierarchique, codage.
The Methodology of the Atlas Of Corporate Interlocks
Authors: Levine Joel H.
Published: January 2017

The interlocks between boards of directors of some 400 of the world's largest corporations are studied with methods of network analysis and, in particular, with the original methods of centroid scaling and frequency reconstruction scaling. The former furnishes stable global maps of these interlocks and discerns five groups of corporations: the French group; the Swiss group; the German group; the Dutch group; the British-Canadian-American-South-African group. The latter method furnishes very detailed maps of the internal structure of these groups and the ties between these groups. This article consists of the methodological sections of the author's book, Atlas of Corporate Interlocks, Worldnet (Box A-201, Hanover NH 0375), 1985, 2 volumes, 501 p, 495 US. Social network analysis, interlocking directorates, corporations, centroid scaling, frequency reconstruction scaling.
Pontine Tegmental Cap Dysplasia in an Extremely Preterm Infant and Review of the Literature
Authors: Picker-Minh Sylvie , Hartenstein Sebastian , Proquitté Hans , Fröhler Sebastian , Raile Vera , Kraemer Nadine , Apeshiotis Sarah , Leipoldt Michael , Kalache Karim D. , Morris-Rosendahl Deborah , Boltshauser Eugen , Chen Wei , Kaindl Angela M.
Published: January 2017

Pontine tegmental cap dysplasia is a rare hindbrain malformation syndrome with a hypoplastic pons, a tissue protrusion into the fourth ventricle, and cranial nerve dysfunction. We here report clinical, imaging, and genetic findings of the first extremely low-birth-weight preterm infant with pontine tegmental cap dysplasia born at 25 weeks of gestation and provide an overview of 29 sporadic cases. A prenatally diagnosed hypoplastic and rostrally shifted cerebellum was indicative of a hindbrain defect and later identified as an early sign of pontine tegmental cap dysplasia in our patient. The neonate exhibited severe muscle hypotonia, persistent thermolability, and clinical signs of an involvement of facial, cochlear, and hypoglossal nerves. Furthermore, paroxysmal episodes of agonizing pain with facial tics, tonic and clonic muscle contractions, blepharospasm, and singultus are highlighted as new phenotypic features of pontine tegmental cap dysplasia. With our report, we present a severe case of pontine tegmental cap dysplasia and provide a brief overview of current knowledge on this rare disease.
Validation of Polymerase Chain Reaction–Based Assay to Detect Actual Number of CGG Repeats in FMR1 Gene in Indian Fragile X Syndrome Patients
Authors: Chowdhury Madhumita Roy , Chauhan Sandeepa , Dabral Anjali , Thelma B. K. , Gupta Neerja , Kabra Madhulika
Published: January 2017

Molecular genetic testing for fragile X (FX) is complicated due to the large variation in the size of CGG expansion. The aim of this study was to apply this new technique using AmplideX FMR1 PCR assay, which is considered a better diagnostic tool for detecting expanded alleles in Indian population. The primary objective was to identify the carrier status of females and to correlate the instability of premutation alleles in females with the repeat sizes. 24 children with FX based on rapid PCR and 29 female relatives of these patients were included. Out of the 29 females screened, those whose child (or children) was affected by FX, were all premutation carriers confirming their role in transmission. The smallest PM allele that expanded into FM in the next generation was 78 repeats and the smallest PM allele detected was 63 repeats, and when transmitted from mother to offspring remained in the premutation range. In 4 families, the repeat size of the allele reduced from PM to normal repeat numbers in their daughters and in 1 case to borderline PM range. Thus, apart from the reduced turnaround time, this PCR based assay offers advantage by its sensitivity to detect CGG repeats in the intermediate region and lower range of premutation alleles. It also provides added information of AGG interruptions, which may have an impact on the counseling of women with intermediate and PM alleles.
Exome Sequencing Identifies De Novo DYNC1H1 Mutations Associated With Distal Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Malformations of Cortical Development
Authors: Chen Yulin , Xu Yufei , Li Guoqiang , Li Niu , Yu Tingting , Yao Ru-en , Wang Xiumin , Shen Yiping , Wang Jian
Published: January 2017

Exome sequencing has become a formidable tool for identifying potential de novo variants in causative genes of human diseases, such as neurodegenerative disorders. This article describes a 16-month-old girl with spinal muscular atrophy with lower extremity predominance and a 13-month-old girl with malformations of cortical development. Exome sequencing identified a novel de novo heterozygous missense mutation c.3395G>A (p.Gly1132Glu) and a previously reported de novo heterozygous missense mutation c.10151G>A (p.Arg3384Gln) in the DYNC1H1 gene. Bioinformatics predictions for c.3395G>A and c.10151G>A indicated pathogenicity of the mutations. DYNC1H1 is a pivotal component of cytoplasmic dynein complex, which is a microtubule-related motor involved in retrograde transport. Previous studies indicated that mutant dynein showed decreased run-length of the motor proteins and diminished retrograde transport, which were clearly associated with neuronal death and neurologic diseases. The present findings expand the mutational spectrum of the DYNC1H1 gene, reemphasizing the significance of the DYNC1H1 protein in the functioning of neurons.
Stroke and Hypertension in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kupferman Juan C. , Zafeiriou Dimitrios I. , Lande Marc B. , Kirkham Fenella J. , Pavlakis Steven G.
Published: January 2017

Hypertension is the single most important modifiable risk factor for adult stroke. Stroke mortality has significantly decreased over the last 5 decades; this decline has been mainly associated to improved blood pressure control. Though much less prevalent than in adults, stroke is an increasingly recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Although hypertension has not been strongly identified as a risk factor in childhood stroke yet, there is preliminary evidence that suggests that elevated blood pressure may be associated with stroke in children. This review summarizes the literature that may link elevated blood pressure to the development of childhood ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke. The authors suggest that elevated blood pressure may be a significant risk factor that, alone or in combination with other multiple risk factors, leads to the development of stroke in childhood. It is therefore recommend that blood pressure be measured and assessed carefully in every child presenting with acute stroke.
Challenges in Implementation of the New Accreditation System
Authors: Feist Terri B. , Campbell Julia L. , LaBare Julie A. , Gilbert Donald L.
Published: January 2017

Despite major changes in US Graduate Medical Education, from Core Competencies (2002) to the Next Accreditation System (2012), few studies have evaluated the role of the Residency Coordinator in program accreditation. This role may be especially challenging in child neurology, which involves separate, accredited child and adult neurology residencies. The present study of Child Neurology Program Coordinators evaluated workforce factors and first-year implementation of new training requirements. The response rate was 65% (48/74). Concerning workforce features included high turnover, unpaid overtime, inconsistent job titles, limited career paths, inadequate training, and nonacademic supervision. Programs’ average implementation of 14 new accreditation items averaged 7.5 (standard deviation 2.5). This survey demonstrated that greater Next Accreditation System implementation is linked to increased coordinator experience, supervision within Graduate Medical Education, and greater administrative support for the coordinator role. Changes in these areas could improve future compliance of US child neurology programs with Graduate Medical Education accreditation requirements.
Studies on the Standardization of Cytotoxicity Tests and New Standard Reference Materials Useful for Evaluating the Safety of Biomaterials
Authors: Tsuchiya Toshie
Published: January 2017

Standard reference materials (SRM) made of polyurethane films containing various amounts of cytotoxic compounds such as zinc diethyldithiocarbamate (ZDEC) and zinc dibutyldithiocarbamate (ZDBC) are proposed. The cytotoxicity indices of five dithiocarbamates and the SRM films .obtained by colony assay were compared with those by published standards, i.e., neutral red assay (NF S 90-702), agar diffusion assay (USP XXII), and millipore filter diffusion assay (DIN-V 13 930). Among them, colony assay using 3 cell lines of Balb 3T3, L929 and V79 was found to be most sensitive. The extraction method and direct contact method were proposed as two test methods of colony assay. In the former, culture media after incubation with test materials were used as test solution, and in the latter, cells were directly cultured on test materials. The extraction method gave a linear relationship between the cytotoxic potentials of the SRM and its concentration of ZDEC or ZDBC. The cytotoxic potentials of the SRM correlated well with the thickness of inflammatory layer in rabbit muscle implantation tests of the SRM. The direct contact method was found to be useful to detect weak cytotoxicity because of its high sensitivity.

Based on these data, we propose the colony assay and the two kinds of new SRMs as Japanese standard test method for evaluating the cytotoxicity of biomaterials.
Formation and Elution of Toxic Compounds from Sterilized Medical Products: Methylenedianiline Formation in Polyurethane
Authors: Shintani Hideharu
Published: January 2017

The formation of a toxic and carcinogenic compound, methylene-dianiline (MDA), in sterilized medical use polyurethane (PU) is discussed. Due to good biocompatibility and biostability, PU is widely used for blood-containing devices. There are two types of PU currently available for medical use. One is chain-extended thermoplastic PU, the other is thermosetting PU used for potting material connecting fibers and modules in artificial dialyzers and plasma separators. Both gamma-ray irradiation and autoclave sterilization are predominantly used for the sterilization of these devices. MDA formation in sterilized PUs by gamma-ray irradiation and by autoclave treatment is compared. The Delany clause in the USA prohibits the manufacture of medical devices producing any toxic compound during fabrication and sterilization, therefore, the formation and elution of MDA and other toxic compounds should be seriously considered. Although MDA formation at a concentration of a few to a few hundred ppb in autoclaved chain-extended thermoplastic PU has been reported, there have been no papers describing MDA formation in autoclaved thermosetting PU potting material, or describing MDA formation in gamma-ray irradiated chain-extended thermoplastic PU and thermosetting PU. We elected to determine whether MDA was in fact produced in PUs sterilized by gamma-ray irradiation or by autoclave sterilization. Our objective was to estimate the risk factor to the human patients or recipient. Our conclusion is to confirm which sterilization of gamma-ray or autoclave is more appropriate. No formation of MDA was observed in autoclaved thermosetting PU potting material at 1210°C for 60 min. A few ppm of MDA was formed in irradiated potting material. MDA formation increased with increasing irradiation doses. MDA formed in irradiated potting material at 2.5 Mrad (less than one ppm) is not a significant risk to the recipient. The estimated cancer causing risk factor when absorbing one mg MDA/kg body weight/day is 0.29. Twenty-nine persons per 100 persons exhibit a cancer potential. More importantly, our experimental evidence indicated that serum extracts from irradiated potting material contained unknown compounds other than MDA. The presence of these compounds is considerably more significant and toxic. When tested, these compounds proved to be mutagenic in the absence of metabolic activity, thus promoting a need to identify and study further. Compounds indicating mutagenicity increased with increasing irradiation. Small amounts of mutagenic compounds were determined in extract from autoclaved potting material, smaller than that by gamma-ray irradiation. Therefore, autoclave sterilization is more appropriate, providing materials can withstand the process. Mutagenicity and cytotoxicity tests of the solvent extract from thermoplastic PU are also discussed, as is a pretreatment method of liquid-liquid extraction and the solid-phase extraction of serum MDA prior to HPLC analysis.
Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Novel Poly(Urethaneamideimide)s
Authors: Masiulanis B. , Calusiński G. M. , Haponiuk J. T.
Published: January 2017

Poly(urethaneamideimide) (PUAI) copolymers were obtained by several methods of synthesis. Solution viscosity and mechanical properties of the polymer foils were measured. The PUAI with different contents of hard segments were investigated by DMTA and thermogravimetry. The stability of PUAI in contact with water and n-hexane was examined by measuring mechanical properties and pH of the extracts and with IR spectroscopy of the dry residues of the extracts.
Continuous Fiber Reinforced Composite Materials as Alternatives for Metal Alloys Used for Dental Appliances
Authors: Karmaker A. C. , Dibenedetto A. T. , Goldberg A. J.
Published: January 2017

Two types of uniaxially oriented long S2-glass fiber reinforced composites were prepared for use in various dental appliances. Matrix polymers were polycarbonate (PC) and bisphenol A bis (2-hydroxy-propyl) methacrylate (Bis-GMA) based copolymers. Flexural tests were conducted on the composites using a procedure which simulates clinical usages. To evaluate the adhesion between the composites and the adhesive, the single-lap shear test was conducted. Mechanical properties of the small cross-sectional composite strips were superior to those used previously in clinical studies.
Effect of Amine Activators on the Properties of Chemical Cured Dental Composites
Authors: Mathew Leny , Joseph Roy , Krishnan V. Kalliyana
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reactivity and the effect of concentration of three tertiary amines upon the mechanical properties of a chemical curing dental composite. Chemical cured composite pastes were prepared by keeping peroxide concentration constant at 1 wt% (by weight of resin mixture) and by varying the amine/peroxide molar ratio from 0.25 to 1.5. Composite samples were prepared for all three amine pastes aged for 1, 15, 30, 45, and 60 d stored at 8, 22, and 37°C. The loss in activity of the tertiary amine with time was measured. Changes in compressive strength, diametral tensile strength, and microhardness were also measured. A sharp decrease in working and setting times corresponding to increased activity was noticed with an increased amine content. The activity was found to vary in the order NN-dimethyl p-toluidine (DMPT) > 2-(4-dimethylaminophenyl) ethanol (DMAPEA) > NNdiethanol p-toluidine (DEPT). DMPT is found to be more temperature sensitive than DMAPEA and DEPT. However, DEPT is found to provide better storage stability out of all three amines tested. Each amine was found to possess optimum concentrations at which the mechanical properties showed maximum values. DEPT is preferred for long-term storage stability in chemical-cured dental composites where aging tends to reduce the activity of the amine.
Activated Charcoal Microcapsules and their Applications
Authors: Chandy Thomas , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: January 2017

Activated charcoal, long known to the ancients as a substance of therapeutic value in a variety of maladies, has recently been "rediscovered" to be of great value in medical applications. Activated charcoal hemoperfusion is effective in blood purification for removal of various circulating toxic materials and waste metabolites, directly. However, particulate release and platelet adhesion prevent its continued clinical use. Polymeric coatings or microencapsulation of charcoal within polymers have improved their blood compatibility. Chitosan encapsulated activated charcoal (ACCB) beads have been extensively investigated in our group for the removal of various toxins such as urea, creatinine, uric acid, bilirubin, etc. This article highlights various methods of microencapsulation procedures of activated charcoal and the importance of this novel material for a variety of biomedical applications. Further, this review provides an insight to the future perspectives for using them in clinical practice.
Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) Modified Bovine Pericardiuim as a Biomaterial: A Comparative Study on Immunogenicity
Authors: K. Sheeja Aravind , Paul Willi , Vasudev Sindhu C. , Sharma Chandra P.
Published: January 2017

Bioprosthetic heart valves made from glutaraldehyde (GA)-fixed porcine aortic valves or bovine pericardium (BP) are having some advantages over mechanical valves. However, their durability is low due to the calcification and immunological rejection. Study on immunogenicity is an important part in understanding the biocompatibility of materials. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) on pericardium can control biodegradation and calcification. Also, PEG exhibits low immunogenicity. We have studied the complement activation potential and the contribution of complement factors (biologic factors) on the calcification of PEG grafted pericardium samples and compared with standard (control) glutaraldehyde-treated pericardium samples. PEG-grafted BP activated using GA and carbodiimide (EDC) could be selected for further studies since complement activation and calcification observed on these samples has been relatively low.
Biomedical Applications of Polyurethanes: A Review of Past Promises, Present Realities, and a Vibrant Future
Authors: Zdrahala Richard J. , Zdrahala Ivanka J.
Published: January 2017

Polyurethanes, having extensive structure/property diversity, are one of the most bio- and blood-compatible materials known today. These materials played a major role in the development of many medical devices ranging from catheters to total artificial heart. Properties such as durability, elasticity, elastomer-like character, fatigue resistance, compliance, and acceptance or tolerance in the body during the healing, became often associated with polyurethanes. Furthermore, propensity for bulk and surface modification via hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance or by attachments of biologically active species such as anticoagulants or biorecognizable groups are possible via chemical groups typical for polyurethane structure. These modifications are designed to mediate and enhance the acceptance and healing of the device or implant. Many innovative processing technologies are used to fabricate functional devices, feeling and often behaving like natural tissue.

The hydrolytically unstable polyester polyurethanes were replaced by more resistant but oxidation-sensitive polyether polyols based polyurethanes and their clones containing silicone and other modifying polymeric intermediates. Chronic in vivo instability, however, observed on prolonged implantation, became a major roadblock for many applications.

Presently, utilization of more oxidation resistant polycarbonate polyols as soft segments, in combination with antioxidants such as Vitamin E, offer materials which can endure in the body for several years. The applications cover cardiovascular devices, artificial organs, tissue replacement and augmentation, performance enhancing coatings and many others. In situ polymerized, cross-linked systems could extend this biodurability even further.

The future will expand this field by revisiting chemically-controlled biodegradation, in combination with a mini-version of RIM technology and minimally invasive surgical procedures, to form, in vivo, a scaffold, by delivery of reacting materials to the specific site in the body and polymerizing the mass in situ. This scaffold will provide anchor for tissue regeneration via cell attachment, proliferation, control of inflammation, and healing.
Breastfeeding Exposure, Attitudes, and Intentions of African American and Caucasian College Students
Authors: Jefferson Urmeka T.
Published: January 2017

Background:

African American mothers lag behind in breastfeeding initiation. Research is needed to gain an understanding of potential reasons for breastfeeding disparities.

Research aim:

This study explored breastfeeding exposure, attitudes, and intentions of African American and Caucasian college students by race and gender.

Methods:

Women and men (696) attending college, who were younger than 45 years and without children, were included in this study. Survey data were collected using a demographic questionnaire and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale.

Results:

Overall, students demonstrated favorable attitudes regarding breastfeeding but viewed formula feeding as more practical. Students who were Caucasian and female and experienced breastfeeding exposure demonstrated higher breastfeeding attitudes and intent. Breastfeeding exposure and attitudes contributed 32% of the variance in breastfeeding intentions. The odds of experiencing breastfeeding exposure and positive breastfeeding attitudes were approximately 3 times higher for Caucasian students than for African American students.

Conclusion:

External factors demonstrated a stronger association with breastfeeding intentions. The link with race and gender appears to operate through their effect on attitudes and exposure. More research is needed to identify strategies to improve breastfeeding exposure and attitudes among African Americans.
Impact of Human Resource Management Practices on Nursing Home Performance
Authors: Rondeau Kent V. , Wagar Terry H.
Published: January 2017

Management scholars and practitioners alike have become increasingly interested in learning more about the ability of certain ‘progressive’ or ‘high-performance’ human resource management (HRM) practices to enhance organizational effectiveness. There is growing evidence to suggest that the contribution of various HRM practices to impact firm performance may be synergistic in effect yet contingent on a number of contextual factors, including workplace climate. A contingency theory perspective suggests that in order to be effective, HMR policies and practices must be consistent with other aspects of the organization, including its environment. This paper reports on empirical findings from research that examines the relationship between HRM practices, workplace climate and perceptions of organizational performance, in a large sample of Canadian nursing homes. Data from 283 nursing homes were collected by means of a mail survey that included questions on HRM practices, programmes, and policies, on human resource aspects of workplace climate, as well as a variety of indicators that include employee, customer/resident and facility measures of organizational performance. Results derived from ordered probit analysis suggest that nursing homes in our sample which had implemented more ‘progressive’ HRM practices and which reported a workplace climate that strongly values employee participation, empowerment and accountability tended to be perceived to generally perform better on a number of valued organizational outcomes. Nursing homes in our sample that performed best overall were found to be more likely to not only have implemented more of these HRM practices, but also to report having a workplace climate that reflects the seminal value that it places on its human resources. This finding is consistent with the conclusion that simply introducing HRM practices or programmes, in the absence of an appropriately supportive workplace climate, will be insufficient to attain optimal organizational performance.
Comparing Uninsured and Privately Insured Hospital Patients: Admission Severity, Health Outcomes and Resource use
Authors: Bradbury R. C. , Golec Joseph H. , Steen Paul M.
Published: January 2017

This paper compares uninsured hospital patients with privately insured patients in terms of severity of illness on admission, emergency department use, leaving the hospital against medical advice, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality and morbidity rates. This cross-sectional study includes 29 237 admissions to 100 US hospitals in 1993 and 1994. We found that uninsured patients are sicker, indicating that hospitals should expect uninsured patients to have increased service needs. Our results indicate that the uninsured exhibit higher likelihood of leaving against medical advice, shorter lengths of stay and poorer health outcomes suggest that the uninsured may not be receiving necessary care. Further studies are needed.
The Effective Plan
Authors: Candlin D. B.
Published: January 2017

This study commences with a review of aspects of planning which feature prominently in management theory. It describes a survey carried out in a District Health Authority during 1985/86 and outlines those aspects which emerged as important to the staff engaged in planning. It concludes with a comparison of the relative emphases in theory and practice.
Manpower Planning: A Suitable Case for Treatment?
Authors: Fitzgerald Louise
Published: January 2017

The article sets out the current pressures on the health service to radically revise the processes of manpower planning in use. Issues discussed include the conventional problems of managing uncertainty over longer timescales and the use of relevant data. However, the need for raised awareness across all professions of the sources of influence on the service is also discussed. The use of scenario planning approaches is suggested. A case example is provided of a trial attempt to examine the major forces influencing the N.W. Thames RHA, in order to derive from them the manpower and training implications. Detailed data from the early stages of the project are presented, illustrating the impact of technological advances and of social trends on health care delivery. Interim conclusions are then drawn from this work.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Communication in Organisations: The Communication Audit Approach
Authors: Hargie Owen D. W. , Tourish Dennis
Published: January 2017

Within the past decade there has been an enormous growth of interest in the field of organisational communication. Numerous books, book chapters and journal articles have been devoted to this topic. However, much of this output has been at the level of common sense exhortation, has tended to be anecdotal, or at best has been based upon the personal experience of the authors. Certainly within the UK there has been little hard empirical research into the nature, flow and functions of communication within organisations. This paper proposes the introduction of a much more systematic methodology for the study of such communication, based upon what is known as the ‘communication audit’ approach. This approach is fully explained and the main methods employed in communication audits outlined, together with their relative advantages and disadvantages. It is also pointed out that audits are now widely employed to measure performance in other spheres of the organisation, such as finance, and it is argued that the implementation of this system to measure communication performance is therefore long overdue. The benefits for organisations of carrying out audits are highlighted and suggestions are made about possible future directions for research in this area.