bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 activation prevents β amyloids induced endothelial cell dysfunction and restores angiogenesis
Authors: Solito Raffaella ,   aFederico Corti, Chen Che-Hong , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Giachetti Antonio , Ziche Marina , Donnini Sandra
Published: February 2013

Amyloid β peptides (Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42) cause cerebral degeneration also by exerting antiangiogenic properties, as impairment of angiogenic factors activity and induction of apoptosis and senescence in the endothelium. Amyloid peptides are known to induce oxidative stress. Impairment of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) following oxidative stress, results in accumulation of toxic aldehydes, particularly 4-hydroxynoneal (4-HNE). We sought to determine the role of mithocondrial ALDH2 in Aβ-related impairment of angiogenesis. We hypothesized that by increasing the detoxification activity of ALDH2, we would reduce Aβ-driven endothelial injuries and restore angiogenesis. We used a selective ALDH2 activator, Alda-1, assessing its ability to repair mithocondrial dysfunction in the endothelium. Treatment of human endothelial cells with Aβ1-40 (5–50 µM), induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, increased cytochrome c release and ROS accumulation. These events were associated with 4-HNE accumulation and decrease in ALDH2 activity (40%), and resulted in disassembly of endothelial junctions, as evidenced by β-catenin phosphorylation, disorganization of adherens and tight junctions, and by disruption of pseudocapillary formation. Alda-1 (10–40 µM) abolished Aβ-induced 4-HNE accumulation, apoptosis, and vascular leakiness, fully restoring the pro-angiogenic endothelial phenotype and responses to FGF-2. Our data document that mitochondrial ALDH2 in endothelium is a target for the vascular effect of Aβ including loss of barrier function and angiogenesis. ALDH2 activation, by restoring mitochondrial functions in endothelium, prevents Aβ-induced dysfunction and antiangiogenic effects. Thus, agents activating ALDH2 may reduce endothelial injuries including those occurring in cerebral amyloid angiopathy, preserving the angiogenic potential of the endothelium.
ER-stress-associated functional link between Parkin and DJ-1 via a transcriptional cascade involving the tumor suppressor p53 and the spliced X-box binding protein XBP-1
Authors: Duplan Eric , Giaime Emilie , Viotti Julien , Sévalle Jean , Corti Olga , Brice Alexis , Ariga Hiroyoshi , Qi Ling , Checler Frédéric , da Costa Cristine Alves
Published: February 2013

Parkin and DJ-1 are two multi-functional proteins linked to autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson's disease (PD) that were shown to functionally interact by yet unknown mechanisms. We have delineated the mechanisms by which parkin controls DJ-1. Thus, parkin modulates DJ-1 transcription and protein levels via a signaling cascade involving p53 and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-induced active X-box-binding protein-1S (XBP-1S). Parkin triggers the transcriptional repression of p53 while p53 down-regulates DJ1 protein and mRNA expressions. We show that parkin-mediated control of DJ-1 is fully p53 dependent. Furthermore, we establish that p53 lowers the protein and mRNA levels of XB-1S. Accordingly, we show that parkin ultimately up-regulates XBP-1 levels. Subsequently, XBP-1 physically interacts with DJ-1 promoter, thereby enhancing its promoter trans-activation, mRNA levels and protein expression. This data was corroborated by the examination of DJ-1 in both parkin and p53 null mice brains. Finally, this transcriptional cascade is abolished by pathogenic parkin mutations and independent of its ubiquitin-ligase activity. Our data establish a parkin-dependent ER-stress-associated modulation of DJ-1 and identifies p53 and XBP-1 as two major actors acting downstream of parkin in this signaling cascade in cells and in vivo. This work provides a mechanistic explanation for the increase of UPR observed in PD pathology that would be due to a defect of parkin-associated control of DJ-1.
Pareto-Improving and Self-Sustainable Pricing for the Morning Commute with Nonidentical Commuters
Authors: Xiao Feng , Zhang H. M.
Published: February 2013

Congestion pricing, one of the effective tools to reduce congestion in a transportation network, may cause inequity among commuters if the differences in their value of time (VOT) are not properly taken into account. In this paper, we develop a bimodal competition model within the context of nonidentical commuters and departure time choice to study toll design, mode share, and benefit distribution problems. We first show that for a single bottleneck without schedule-late delay, commuters pass the bottleneck in increasing order of VOT under an optimal dynamic toll, and the optimal toll curve is strictly increasing and convex. Equipped with this result, we then derive the corresponding toll patterns, departure profiles, mode share, and user benefits in the morning commute under congestion tolls. We find that a queue-eliminating dynamic toll on the highway can drive the two-mode system to optimum, and it is Pareto improving. However, when a constant toll is used, commuters in the middle of the VOT distribution are possibly made worse off by the toll. By proposing a transit subsidy together with a toll charge on the highway, we obtain a core of feasible toll plus subsidy schemes that can simultaneously achieve three goals: driving the system toward optimum, benefiting every commuter, and financing itself without external investment. The results show that to be in this core, the toll charge can neither be too low nor too high.
Focal femoral condyle resurfacing
Authors: Brennan S. A. , Devitt B. M. , O’Neill C. J. , Nicholson P.
Published: February 2013

Focal femoral inlay resurfacing has been developed for the treatment of full-thickness chondral defects of the knee. This technique involves implanting a defect-sized metallic or ceramic cap that is anchored to the subchondral bone through a screw or pin. The use of these experimental caps has been advocated in middle-aged patients who have failed non-operative methods or biological repair techniques and are deemed unsuitable for conventional arthroplasty because of their age. This paper outlines the implant design, surgical technique and biomechanical principles underlying their use. Outcomes following implantation in both animal and human studies are also reviewed.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:301–4.
The treatment of severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis via the Ganz surgical dislocation and anatomical reduction
Authors: Madan S. S. , Cooper A. P. , Davies A. G. , Fernandes J. A.
Published: February 2013

We present our experience of the modified Dunn procedure in combination with a Ganz surgical dislocation of the hip to treat patients with severe slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The aim was to prospectively investigate whether this technique is safe and reproducible. We assessed the degree of reduction, functional outcome, rate of complications, radiological changes and range of movement in the hip. There were 28 patients with a mean follow-up of 38.6 months (24 to 84). The lateral slip angle was corrected by a mean of 50.9° (95% confidence interval 44.3 to 57.5). The mean modified Harris hip score at the final follow-up was 89.1 (sd 9.0) and the mean Non-Arthritic Hip score was 91.3 (sd 9.0). Two patients had proven pre-existing avascular necrosis and two developed the condition post-operatively. There were no cases of nonunion, implant failure, infection, deep-vein thrombosis or heterotopic ossification. The range of movement at final follow-up was nearly normal. This study adds to the evidence that the technique of surgical dislocation and anatomical reduction is safe and reliable in patients with SCFE.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:424–9.
The effect of alcohol intake and the use of oral corticosteroids on the risk of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Fukushima W. , Yamamoto T. , Takahashi S. , Sakaguchi M. , Kubo T. , Iwamoto Y. , Hirota Y.
Published: February 2013

The systemic use of steroids and habitual alcohol intake are two major causative factors in the development of idiopathic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH). To examine any interaction between oral corticosteroid use and alcohol intake on the risk of ONFH, we conducted a hospital-based case-control study of 71 cases with ONFH (mean age 45 years (20 to 79)) and 227 matched controls (mean age 47 years (18 to 79)). Alcohol intake was positively associated with ONFH among all subjects: the adjusted odds ratio (OR) of subjects with ≥ 3032 drink-years was 3.93 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18 to 13.1) compared with never-drinkers. When stratified by steroid use, the OR of such drinkers was 11.1 (95% CI 1.30 to 95.5) among those who had never used steroids, but 1.10 (95% CI 0.21 to 4.79) among those who had. When we assessed any interaction based on a two-by-two table of alcohol and steroid use, the OR of those non-drinkers who did use steroids was markedly elevated (OR 31.5) compared with users of neither. However, no further increase in OR was noted for the effect of using both (OR 31.6). We detected neither a multiplicative nor an additive interaction (p for multiplicative interaction 0.19; synergy index 0.95), suggesting that the added effect of alcohol may be trivial compared with the overwhelming effect of steroids in the development of ONFH.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:320–5.
Leflunomide for Inflammatory Arthritis in End-Stage Renal Disease on Peritoneal Dialysis: A Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacogenetic Study
Authors: Russo Paul AJ , Wiese Michael D , Smith Malcolm D , Ahern Michael J , Barbara Jeffrey A , Shanahan E Michael
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVE

To study the pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of leflunomide and document its efficacy and safety in the treatment of inflammatory arthritis in a patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who was on peritoneal dialysis.

CASE SUMMARY

Therapy for a 78-year-old man with ESRD who required peritoneal dialysis was started with leflunomide 10 mg/day for psoriatic arthritis. The dosage was increased to 20 mg/day after 3 months. Monitoring was continued until the patient's unexpected death from myocardial infarction at 8 months. Total and unbound teriflunomide (the active metabolite of leflunomide) concentrations were measured by liquid-chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Genotyping for CYP2C19 and ABCG2 polymorphisms, both known to influence teriflunomide pharmacokinetics, was also performed.

DISCUSSION

Total concentrations of teriflunomide varied between 5.2 and 23.2 mg/L, while unbound concentrations varied between 0.0306 and 0.1468 mg/L. The unbound fraction varied between 0.367% and 0.71%. Teriflunomide was found in the dialysate at a concentration of 0.0981 mg/L. A single CYP2C19 loss of function allele was present, as was wild-type ABCG2. Leflunomide appeared to be therapeutically effective, as evidenced by a reduction in daily prednisolone dosage from 20 mg to 6mg; the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) was 5.46 at enrollment and 4.03 after 7 months. Health Assessment Questionnaire—Disability Index improved from 0.5 to 0.125 at 7 months. Numerous significant adverse events that were considered unrelated to leflunomide occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Dose adjustment for leflunomide does not appear to be required in the context of ESRD requiring peritoneal dialysis. We present novel evidence that a small amount of teriflunomide is removed by peritoneal dialysis. This case suggests that leflunomide is safe to use as therapy for inflammatory arthritis despite the presence of ESRD requiring peritoneal dialysis.
Impact of Prolonged Cannabinoid Excretion in Chronic Daily Cannabis Smokers' Blood on Per Se Drugged Driving Laws
Authors: Bergamaschi Mateus M , Karschner Erin L , Goodwin Robert S , Scheidweiler Karl B , Hirvonen Jussi , Queiroz Regina HC , Huestis Marilyn A
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Cannabis is the illicit drug most frequently reported with impaired driving and motor vehicle accidents. Some “per se” laws make it illegal to drive with any amount of drug in the body, while others establish blood, saliva, or urine concentrations above which it is illegal to drive. The persistence of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in chronic daily cannabis smokers' blood is unknown.

METHODS

Thirty male chronic daily cannabis smokers resided on a secure research unit for up to 33 days, with daily blood collection. Samples were processed in an ice bath during sample preparation to minimize cannabinoid adsorption onto precipitant material. We quantified THC by 2-dimensional GC-MS.

RESULTS

Of the 30 participants, 27 were THC-positive on admission, with a median (range) concentration of 1.4 μg/L (0.3–6.3). THC decreased gradually; only 1 of 11 participants was negative at 26 days, 2 of 5 remained THC-positive (0.3 μg/L) for 30 days, and 5.0% of participants had THC ≥1.0 μg/L for 12 days. Median 11-hydroxy-THC concentrations were 1.1 μg/L on admission, with no results ≥1.0 μg/L 24 h later. 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCCOOH) detection rates were 96.7% on admission, decreasing slowly to 95.7% and 85.7% on days 8 and 22, respectively; 4 of 5 participants remained THCCOOH positive (0.6–2.7 μg/L) after 30 days, and 1 remained positive on discharge at 33 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Cannabinoids can be detected in blood of chronic daily cannabis smokers during a month of sustained abstinence. This is consistent with the time course of persisting neurocognitive impairment reported in recent studies.
In vitro model systems to study androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer
Authors: Sampson Natalie , Neuwirt Hannes , Puhr Martin , Klocker Helmut , Eder Iris E
Published: February 2013

Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common causes of male cancer-related death in Western nations. The cellular response to androgens is mediated via the androgen receptor (AR), a ligand-inducible transcription factor whose dysregulation plays a key role during PCa development and progression following androgen deprivation therapy, the current mainstay systemic treatment for advanced PCa. Thus, a better understanding of AR signaling and new strategies to abrogate AR activity are essential for improved therapeutic intervention. Consequently, a large number of experimental cell culture models have been established to facilitatein vitroinvestigations into the role of AR signaling in PCa development and progression. These different model systems mimic distinct stages of this heterogeneous disease and exhibit differences with respect to AR expression/status and androgen responsiveness. Technological advances have facilitated the development ofin vitrosystems that more closely reflect the physiological setting, for example via the use of three-dimensional coculture to study the interaction of prostate epithelial cells with the stroma, endothelium, immune system and tissue matrix environment. This review provides an overview of the most commonly usedin vitrocell models currently available to study AR signaling with particular focus on their use in addressing key questions relating to the development and progression of PCa. It is hoped that the continued development ofin vitromodels will provide more biologically relevant platforms for mechanistic studies, drug discovery and design ensuring a more rapid transfer of knowledge from the laboratory to the clinic.
Apoplexia hipofisaria após pneumencefalograma
Authors: Perpétuo Francisco Otaviano Lima
Published: February 2013

É relatado um caso de apoplexia hipofisária subsequente à realização de pneumencefalograma. O mecanismo etiopatogênico é discutido, sendo recomendado que a cirurgia deva seguir imediatamente o pneumencefalograma em casos mostrando significante extensão supra-selar de adenomas pituitários mesmo quando não haja hipertensão intracraniana.
Considerações sobre o mecanismo da evolução
Authors: Brieger F. G.
Published: February 2013

O presente trabalho não tem por fim discutir exaustivamente os fatos conhecidos e as hipóteses até hoje formuladas sobre o mecanismo da evolução. Êle apresenta apenas um resumo de alguns pontos, sem entrar numa discussão detalhada da literatura, com o fim de por em relevo principalmente os métodos como podem aparecer expontaneamente novos caracteres. As nossas considerações servem como uma introdução para alguns trabalhos experimentais, que serão publicados a seguir. A) - Conhecemos até agora os seguintes modos para a obtenção de novos caracteres fenotipos: 1) - Mutação gênica. 2) - Alteração citológica como poliploidia, polisomia e aberrações na estrutura cromossômica. 3) - Recombinação gênica, ou pela combinação de efeitos específicos de gens determinadores, ou pela combinação de fatores complementares ou principalmente pela mudança no conjunto dos modificadores ("Modifier chift"). A existência deste último modo, comprovado numa série de experiências, pode ter dois efeitos : alterar a base genética de certos caracteres, sem provocar novos efeitos fenotípicos, ou então provocar novas ações fenotípicas de determinados gens. Com respeito à fisiologia do gen, não pode haver dúvida que o conjunto dos modificadores é capaz de alterar a sua ação, provocando novos efeitos e cancelando outros. B) - As duas principais modalidades de aumentar a freqüência dos novos caracteres são: 1) - Seleção natural. 2) - A flutuação das freqüências ou seleção flutuante ("genetic drift"). C) - Finalmente, discutimos rapidamente os processos indispensáveis para completar o processo de evolução : os métodos de isolamento que garantem a manutenção dos novos fenotipos.
Influência do carvão na alimentação das aves
Authors: Torres A. Di Paravicini , Piedade Alvaro
Published: February 2013

Dois lotes de 50 pintos foram submetidos, durante 25 dias, ao mesmo regime, salvo que um (A) recebeu 5% de carvão na farelada e outro (B) não. No fim da experiência, a média de peso do lote A era 174,9 grs. e a do lote B, 262,2; a diferença é significativamente favorável ao lote B em relação ao peso, contudo a mortalidade foi maior (12%) no lote que não recebeu carvão. A aparência geral dos pintos do lote B era muito melhor. Os AA. concluem que o carvão não deve ser usado como alimento, provavelmente por absorver muitas subtâncias úteis à nutrição, possivelmente vitaminas e amino-ácidos, mas sim para os pintos que se atrazam no crescimento devido a perturbações do aparelho digestivo, como um medicamento. Esta última conclusão depende de ulterior comprovação, pois a maior mortalidade constatada no lote sem carvão pode ser devida ao acaso, simplesmente.
Síndrome do túnel do carpo: estudo comparativo entre a medição ultrassonográfica e cirúrgica do nervo mediano nos casos moderados e severos da doença
Authors: Alves Marcelo de Pinho Teixeira , Fonseca Clovis Orlando Pereira da , Granjeiro José Mauro , Souza Paulo Roberto Gonçalves de , Tzirulnik Marcos
Published: February 2013

OBJETIVO: Comparar os perímetros ultrassonográfico e cirúrgico do nervo mediano, avaliar o diagnóstico da síndrome do túnel do carpo pela área seccional do nervo mediano, verificar associação entre área seccional do nervo mediano e gravidade da síndrome do túnel do carpo. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Estudo de 30 pacientes com síndrome do túnel do carpo. Mediram-se a área seccional e o perímetro ultrassonográfico do nervo mediano. Avaliaram-se correlação clínica-ultrassonográfica e associação com a gravidade da doença. Compararam-se os perímetros ultrassonográfico e cirúrgico. Compararam-se classificação clínica com perímetro cirúrgico, área seccional e perímetro ultrassonográfico. RESULTADOS: Cinco perdas, 25 pacientes estudados; 60% dos pacientes com doença moderada, 60% de casos graves ultrassonográficos (área seccional > 0,15 cm²). Distribuição não normal de perímetro cirúrgico (p = 0,5), distribuição normal de perímetro ultrassonográfico (p = 0). Diferença significativa entre perímetros (teste-t de amostras pareadas; p < 0,0001; intervalo de confiança = 95%). Pearson 0,3913. Pelo diagrama de Bland-Altman, observaram-se maiores perímetros cirúrgicos. Encontrou-se área seccional do nervo mediano > 0,09 cm² em todos os pacientes. CONCLUSÃO: Não houve associação entre perímetro ultrassonográfico e perímetro cirúrgico do nervo mediano. Área seccional do nervo mediano > 0,09 cm² foi válida para o diagnóstico. Não houve associação entre área seccional e gravidade da doença.
Valores organizacionais e concepções de deficiência: a percepção de pessoas incluídas
Authors: Ávila-Vitor Maria Regina do Carmo , Carvalho-Freitas Maria Nivalda de
Published: February 2013

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar, do ponto de vista das pessoas com deficiência (PcDs) inseridas no trabalho, se havia relação entre a percepção que elas tinham dos valores organizacionais e as formas como viam a deficiência no trabalho. O estudo foi realizado em uma empresa referência em inclusão. Foram utilizados o Inventário de Concepções de Deficiência em Situações de Trabalho e o Inventário de Valores Organizacionais. Também foram feitas entrevistas com PcDs, seus gestores e coordenadores do programa de inclusão. Verificou-se que existe uma correlação negativa entre a percepção que as PcDs têm sobre o prestígio e a forma como é vista a normalidade pela empresa, isto é, as PcDs relacionam o prestígio da empresa a uma concepção de deficiência que não as coloca como um desviante de um padrão normal de ser humano. Além disso, foi possível identificar aspectos considerados importantes no processo de inserção de PcDs, como o reconhecimento da inclusão como valor organizacional, a necessidade de adequação das condições de trabalho, o papel das PcDs no processo de inclusão e a importância da convivência com PcDs em um cenário favorável ao seu desempenho.
De como La Llorona se tornou um Miserere de Willy Corrêa de Oliveira
Authors: De Bonis Mauricio
Published: February 2013

Em nossa pesquisa sobre o ciclo de peças para piano Miserere, de Willy Corrêa de Oliveira (DE BONIS, 2010) discutimos uma série de procedimentos composicionais pertinentes a essa obra e à produção do compositor em geral, a saber: a metalinguagem, a relação com as artes plásticas, a condensação de ideias, a superposição de citações à maneira de um ideograma, o teatro musical, e a possibilidade de uma análise estrutural de cada peça ao lado de uma leitura semântica (incentivada pela própria partitura). Obra aberta, o Miserere tem recebido adições do compositor após a publicação da pesquisa. As mesmas ferramentas de análise aplicadas para o ciclo todo são aqui utilizadas para o estudo de uma das últimas peças a serem acrescentadas, em 2009.
Procedimentos composicionais utilizados no Ponteio Nº2 de Pedro Miguel a partir da modelagem do Ponteio Nº12 de Camargo Guarnieri
Authors: Moraes Pedro Miguel de , Castro Gustavo de , Pitombeira Liduino
Published: February 2013

Este artigo trata da modelagem do sistema composicional utilizado pelo compositor Camargo Guarnieri (19071993), na criação do Ponteio Nº12, do Segundo caderno de sua série para piano denominada Ponteios. Esta modelagem foi realizada a partir da observação detalhada do comportamento de diversos parâmetros musicais utilizados pelo autor nessa obra. Com base na observação quantitativa e qualitativa de como as diversas unidades estruturais da obra se interrelacionam, progridem e se transformam no decorrer do tempo musical, foi proposto, em uma segunda fase, um sistema composicional utilizado no planejamento composicional do Ponteio Nº 2, para piano, de Pedro Miguel.
O expressionismo de Erwartung diante do problema do fetichismo musical
Authors: Freitas Philippe Curimbaba
Published: February 2013

O monodrama Erwartung, de Arnold Schoenberg, foi caracterizado por um lado como síntese do expressionismo e, por outro, como uma composição não definível por meio de categorias formais. Esta convergência entre expressão e negação da forma, apontada por Carl Dahlhaus, é o ponto de partida deste texto, cujo objetivo é sustentar, mais do que uma simples convergência, uma relação determinada entre expressão e negação da forma, ou da convenção. Isto é realizado em três momentos: primeiro, desenvolve-se o conceito adorniano de fetichismo musical; segundo, aborda-se a relação entre a expressão e a convenção à luz do problema do fetichismo musical, o que permite aproximar noções como a negação da convenção, a negação romântica do objetivismo musical em prol da expressão subjetiva e a recusa de materiais fetichizados; em terceiro lugar, aborda-se Erwartung, mostrando como o problema da convenção, do objetivismo e do fetichismo não deixam de aparecer em uma peça que leva às últimas consequências a radicalização da expressão pela negação da convenção.
Expressividade na opinião de cantores líricos
Authors: Mello Enio Lopes , Ferreira Léslie Piccolotto , Pacheco Natália Fonseca , Silva Marta Assumpção de Andrada e
Published: February 2013

Investigação sobre a opinião de cantores líricos em relação à expressividade na performance operística. MÉTODO: 50 cantores líricos (24 mulheres e 26 homens) citaram cinco palavras relacionadas à expressividade do cantor de ópera. RESULTADOS: a partir da frequência das repetições de palavras nas respostas dos cantores foram elaborados seis eixos temáticos: emoção (76%); técnica (64%); habilidades (58%); entrega (54%); corpo (48%) e interpretação (38%) que foram correlacionados aos dados de caracterização dos sujeitos. CONCLUSÃO: a partir dos resultados desta pesquisa pode se inferir que a expressividade do cantor lírico diz respeito à emoção, à técnica e à habilidade do cantor de se entregar ao personagem e ao público, e isso se conquista com anos de experiência na profissão.
O Concerto para Clarineta, Op.57 de Carl Nielsen: contexto, análises e interpretações
Authors: Fraga Vinicius de Sousa
Published: February 2013

Composto em 1928, o Concerto para Clarineta, Op.57, de Carl Nielsen (1865-1931) tornou-se uma obra fundamental na literatura da clarineta no século XX. A presente pesquisa procura discutir algumas de suas questões de performance através de uma contextualização da época em que foi escrito, com ênfase nos aspectos relevantes sobre o compositor e a produção da obra. São observadas as divergências entre a edição da Samfundet e os originais manuscritos. Por meio de uma análise da obra, busca-se discutir sua recepção inicial e seu papel na literatura da clarineta.
Briefing: Public–private finance models – infrastructure procurement
Authors: Pearson Gavin , Pontin Graham
Published: February 2013

Developing new sustainable models and sources of funding and financing for infrastructure is crucial, along with removing the blocks and challenges to delivering finance. This is the focus of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering investment into infrastructure series that has reviewed 15 years of private finance initiative data, set out means of replacing private finance initiative with new public–private finance models and proposed a range of measures to improve government procurement of infrastructure projects.
Insect herbivores, chemical innovation, and the evolution of habitat specialization in Amazonian trees
Authors: Fine Paul V. A. , Metz Margaret R. , Lokvam John , Mesones Italo , Zuñiga J. Milagros Ayarza , Lamarre Greg P. A. , Pilco Magno Vásquez , Baraloto Christopher
Published: February 2013

Herbivores are often implicated in the generation of the extraordinarily diverse tropical flora. One hypothesis linking enemies to plant diversification posits that the evolution of novel defenses allows plants to escape their enemies and expand their ranges. When range expansion involves entering a new habitat type, this could accelerate defense evolution if habitats contain different assemblages of herbivores and/or divergent resource availabilities that affect plant defense allocation. We evaluated this hypothesis by investigating two sister habitat specialist ecotypes of Protium subserratum (Burseraceae), a common Amazonian tree that occurs in white‐sand and terra firme forests. We collected insect herbivores feeding on the plants, assessed whether growth differences between habitats were genetically based using a reciprocal transplant experiment, and sampled multiple populations of both lineages for defense chemistry. Protium subserratum plants were attacked mainly by chrysomelid beetles and cicadellid hemipterans. Assemblages of insect herbivores were dissimilar between populations of ecotypes from different habitats, as well as from the same habitat 100 km distant. Populations from terra firme habitats grew significantly faster than white‐sand populations; they were taller, produced more leaf area, and had more chlorophyll. White‐sand populations expressed more dry mass of secondary compounds and accumulated more flavone glycosides and oxidized terpenes, whereas terra firme populations produced a coumaroylquinic acid that was absent from white‐sand populations. We interpret these results as strong evidence that herbivores and resource availability select for divergent types and amounts of defense investment in white‐sand and terra firme lineages of Protium subserratum, which may contribute to habitat‐mediated speciation in these trees.
Help from under ground: soil biota facilitate knotweed invasion
Authors: Parepa Madalin , Schaffner Urs , Bossdorf Oliver
Published: February 2013

Soil biota can be important drivers of plant community structure. Depending on the balance between antagonistic and mutualistic interactions, they can limit or promote the success of plant species. This is particularly important in the context of exotic plant invasions where soil biota can either increase the biotic resistance of habitats, or they can shift the balance between exotic and native plants towards the exotics and thereby greatly contribute to their dominance. Here, we explored the role of soil biota in the invasion success of exotic knotweed (Fallopia × bohemica), one of the world's most noxious invasive plants. We created artificial native plant communities that were experimentally invaded by knotweed, using a range of substrates where we manipulated different fractions of soil biota. We found that invasive knotweed benefited more from the overall presence of soil biota than any of the six native species. In particular the presence of the full natural soil biota strongly shifted the competitive balance in favor of knotweed. Soil biota promoted both regeneration and growth of the invader, which suggests that soil organisms may be important both in the early establishment of knotweed and possibly its later dominance of native communities. Addition of activated carbon to the soil made the advantage of knotweed disappear, which suggests that the mechanisms underlying the positive soil biota effects are chemically mediated. Our study demonstrates that soil organisms play a key role in the invasion success of exotic knotweed.
Multiple Comparison Procedures—Cutting the Gordian Knot
Authors: Saville David J.
Published: February 2013

Multiple comparison procedures (MCPs), or mean separation tests, have been the subject of great controversy since the 1950s. Essentially, these procedures are an attempt at simultaneously formulating and testing pairwise comparison hypotheses using data from a single experiment. An unacceptable operating characteristic of most MCPs is their “inconsistency,” an idea that is illustrated in this article. This characteristic led to the development of a “practical solution” to the MCP problem, which is to “cut the Gordian knot” by abandoning any attempt at simultaneous formulation and testing. Instead, I recommend using the simplest multiple comparison procedure, the unrestricted least significant difference procedure, to (i) formulate new hypotheses at a known “false discovery rate” (in the null case) such as 5%, and (ii) independently test interesting new hypotheses in a second experiment. I also discuss the implications for sample size calculations of the choice of MCP.
Corn Performance under Managed Drought Stress and in a Kura Clover Living Mulch Intercropping System
Authors: Ziyomo Cathrine , Albrecht Kenneth A. , Baker John M. , Bernardo Rex
Published: February 2013

A corn (Zea mays L.) and kura clover (Trifolium ambiguum M. Bieb.) intercropping system provides ecological services, but competition for water between the grain crop and the living mulch crop often reduces corn yields. Our objectives were to determine (i) if corn that performs well under managed drought (i.e., drought‐tolerant corn) can minimize the grain yield losses incurred when corn is intercropped with kura clover, and (ii) if strong suppression of the kura clover living mulch minimizes the loss in yield of drought‐tolerant and drought‐susceptible corn. From drought trials in Minnesota in 2009 and 2010, we identified five drought‐tolerant and five drought‐susceptible hybrids from the intermated B73 × Mo17 population. Under drought conditions, mean grain yields were 9.66 Mg ha−1 for the drought‐tolerant hybrids and 5.46 Mg ha−1 for the drought‐susceptible hybrids. The 10 hybrids were evaluated in Minnesota and Wisconsin in 2011 in a kura clover intercropping system. Drought‐tolerant hybrids had statistically equal mean yields of 12.90 Mg ha−1 in the killed mulch treatment and 13.69 Mg ha−1 in the living mulch treatment. In contrast, mean yields of drought‐susceptible hybrids were significantly reduced from 4.53 Mg ha−1 in the killed mulch treatment to 3.48 Mg ha−1 in the living mulch treatment. For the drought‐tolerant hybrids, mulch recovery at corn harvest was significantly lower with killed kura clover (41%) than with living kura clover (50%). Our results indicate that the yield of drought‐tolerant corn was not reduced by growing in a living mulch of kura clover.
Modelling the urban water system of Alexandria using the Aquacycle model
Authors: Donia Noha , Manoli Eleni , Assimacopoulos D.
Published: February 2013

As in other cities in Egypt, water demand in the metropolitan area of Alexandria is rapidly increasing over time, as a result of urban expansion, amelioration of living standards and industrial development. As the River Nile is the main source of freshwater supply, concerns arise regarding a potential reduction in Alexandria's allocation quota, which could affect population growth at the national level, agricultural development plans and water demand increase in the upstream areas. In this context, demand management and diversification of urban water supply are gradually gaining momentum among local authorities. The transition to a new paradigm for urban water management, including closed-loop systems at different levels to meet increasing water demands, has been the focus of a recent research effort, within the framework of the European-Commission-funded SWITCH Integrated Project. One relevant activity, whose results are presented in this study, concerned the development of an urban water balance model for the metropolitan area of Alexandria. The model, which was created using the Aquacycle software package, was further used for the preliminary assessment of decentralised solutions at different spatial scales, in order to evaluate their application potential and effectiveness in reducing freshwater imports to and wastewater outflows from the city.
Outcome of Percutaneous Sacroiliac Joint Fixation with Porous Plasma-Coated Triangular Titanium Implants: An Independent Review
Authors: Kim Jong T , Rudolf Leonard M , Glaser John A
Published: February 2013

Design:

Independent retrospective review of a single surgeon’s experience with a new technique of SI fixation.

Objective:

Examine results of percutaneous fixation of the SI joint with porous coated triangular titanium implants.

Background:

Diagnosis and treatment of a dysfunctional sacroiliac joint is challenging as well as controversial. Recently, percutaneous stabilization techniques have been implemented for fixation. There is minimal literature published on this technique.

Methods:

Charts, radiographs, and CT scans of 31 patients operated on by a single surgeon were de-identified and randomized and then reviewed by investigators not involved with the care of the patients. Reviewers had no relationship with the implant manufacturer at the time of the review. Outcome Measures: intraoperative and postoperative complication, EBL, hospital stays, postoperative image location and number of lucent implants, ingrowth into implants, and bone across SI joint.

Results:

27 patients expressed satisfaction, 4 patients did not. Pain relief was noted to be Complete (16 patients), Excellent (5 patients), Good (9 patients), and Fair (1 patients). Four patients had postoperative complications. These were infected hematoma (2), L5 nerve root irritation (1), and L5-S1 discitis (1). One patient required revision. On 6 month postop CT scan, 18/19 patients had radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth and bone into or across the SI joint was evident in 8/19 patients. Lucency was noted around at least one implant in 5/19 patients.

Conclusions:

Results are promising for the use of this novel implant for a carefully selected group of patients with disabling SI dysfunction.
Enhancing the hydrolysis of excess sludge using thermophilic Bacillus sp. Hnu under different oxygen supply conditions
Authors: Zheng Wei , Li Ming , Li Zheng , Xu Ying , Ya Guo
Published: February 2013

A thermophilic Bacillus strain was isolated from excess sludge in the present
study. The 16S rDNA analysis indicated that this strain was a Bacillus sp.
and has not been reported previously (named Bacillus sp. Hnu). The aim of
this paper was to investigate the enhanced efficiency of excess sludge
hydrolysis by the addition of thermophilic Bacillus sp. Hnu under different
oxygen supply conditions. The results indicated that higher temperature and
more oxygen supply was advantageous to the volatile suspended solid removal
ratio with the same effect to that of protease activity. The maximum volatile
suspended solid removal ratio was achieved at 21.5 %, 42.5 %, and 54.4 %
after 108 h digestion at pH 6.9 and 60?C and increased by 17.2 %, 38 %, and
45.4 % under anaerobic, microaerobic, and aerobic conditions compared with
the control test, respectively. The hydrolysis rate constants for the
anaerobic, microaerobic, and aerobic conditions were 3, 4.8, and 7 times
(40?C) and 3.5, 9.8, and 11.8 times (50?C) and 2.7, 7.2, and 10.3 times
(60?C). Hydrolysis performance indicated that the Bacillus sp. Hnu could
accelerate the hydrolysis rate. The kinetic study showed that the hydrolysis
of sludge with Bacillus sp. Hnu and the control test followed the first-order
kinetics except at 60?C.
Characterisation of Vranec, Cabernet sauvignon and Merlot wines based on their chromatic and anthocyanin profiles
Authors: Dimitrovska Maja , Tomovska Elena , Bocevska Mirjana
Published: February 2013

Wines of three different grape varieties, Vranec, Cabernet Sauvignon and
Merlot were examined for their characterisation in terms of anthocyanin and
chromatic profiles, total polyphenols and antioxidant potential. Total,
monomeric, polymeric and copigmented anthocyanins were determined by
spectrophotometry and the individual anthocyanin compounds were quantified
using HPLC-DAD. Chromatic profile was evaluated according to colour density,
hue, % red, % blue, % yellow and brilliance (% dA). The established data were
submitted to analysis of variance and principle component analysis in order
to evaluate their potential for differentiation of wines according to variety
and vintage. Vranec wines have shown distinctive characteristics, with the
highest content of anthocyanins and values of colour intensity, % red and %
dA, compared to the other two studied varieties. The content of
petunidin-3-glucoside, peonindin-3-glucoside and anthocyanin acetates were
established as possible markers for differentiation of Vranec wines from
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot wines. However, none of the assayed parameters
could be used for differentiation of Cabernet Sauvignon from Merlot wines. It
was observed that wine age limits successful classification of the wines by
variety according to anthocyanins. The chromatic parameters allowed
distinguishing of young (aged up to 1 year) from old Vranec wines.
The influence of substituted aromatic aldehydes on Zn-Mn alloy electrodeposition
Authors: Bucko Mihael , Lacnjevac Uros , Bajat Jelena
Published: February 2013

Additives are necessary in the electrodeposition of Zn-Mn alloys at high
current density, in order to reduce hydrogen evolution reaction and prevent
dendrite formation. The influence of two aromatic aldehydes,
4-hydroxy-benzaldehyde and 3,4-dimethoxy-benzaldehyde, as the additives in
Zn-Mn plating electrolyte, is examined in this work. The coatings
characterization by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray energy dispersive
spectroscopy, as well as the examination of additives effect by
electrochemical methods, indicate a complex involvement of additive molecules
in hydrogen evolution, as well as in Zn2+ and Mn2+ reduction. Consequently,
the levelling action can be achieved and the chemical composition of the
Zn-Mn alloy can be tailored, by adding the proper additive type and
concentration in the plating electrolyte.
Editorial Vol.1(2)
Authors: Khan Md Osman Ghani
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13977 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 01
Role of Clinical Palpation in Evaluation of Cervical Lymph Node in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Sadat SM Anwar , Rita Sufia Nasrin , Banik Shoma , Khandker Md Nazmul Hasan , Hossain Md Mahfuz , Khan Md AI
Published: February 2013

A cross sectional study of 29 cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma with or without  cervical lymph node metastasis was done among Bangladeshi patients from January 2006 to December 2007. Majority of the study subjects (34.5%) belonged to the age group of 40-49 years. 58.6% of the study subjects were male, while remaining 41.4% of them were female. 51.7% of the lesions were located in the alveolar ridge where the other common sites were buccal mucosa (27.6%) and retro molar area (13.8%). Half of the study subjects (51.7%) were habituated to betel quid chewing followed by 37.9% and 10.3% were habituated to smoking and betel quid-smoking respectively. Grade I lesions was most prevalent (75.9%) in the study subjects.  Majority of cases presented with Stage IV lesions (55.2%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value & accuracy of clinical palpation method for determining metastatic cervical lymph nodes were 93.33%, 64.29%, 73.68%, 90% and 79.3% respectively. Careful and repeated clinical palpation plays important role in evaluation of cervical lymph nodes though several modern techniques may help additionally in the management of oral cancer.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13978 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 02-06
Audit of Typical Prescription Format Among the Prescribers of a Garment Medical Centre in Bangladesh
Authors: Afsan Mohammad , Alam Muhammad Mahbubul , Noor Nushrat , Yousuf Abul Kalam Mohyammad , Haque MM Ekramul
Published: February 2013

Objective: To audit the typical prescription or general format according to WHO guidelines for good prescription writing.Materials and methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted after collecting data from medical records to observe standard of prescriptions and identify factors underlying inappropriate prescription writing.Place and period of study: A total of 300 prescriptions of the patients (garment workers) who had attended in Hannan Textile and Garment Medical Centre, Board Bazar, Dhaka, Bangladesh in between January and November2008 were considered for analysis. Results: Audit of the prescription pattern revealed that most of the prescriptions did not conform to the pattern of a typical prescription. The patients identity was mentioned in all prescriptions (100%). Date of the prescription and superscription symbol (Rx) were also mentioned in all prescriptions (100%). Inscription which includes name of the drug, dosage form and total amount of medication prescribed was mentioned in all prescriptions (100%) but dose and duration of treatment were mentioned in 66% and 70% prescriptions respectively. In this study, about 91.67% instructions to the pharmacist and 50% special instructions to the patient regarding the dosage form and total amount to be dispensed were found adequately. Almost 100% of the prescriptions adequately mentioned the dosage schedules and also precautions/warnings about the drug therapy. Almost 100% of the prescriptions were signed by the doctors mentioning their full name, address with qualification and registration number. But telephone/mobile number of the doctors was not found in all prescriptions (100%). Most common diagnosis among garment workers was ARI (19.33%). Most commonly prescribed group of drug was antiulcerent (17.13%) and most commonly prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin (13.67%). Most of the drugs were prescribed in oral form (97.77%). No single drug interaction (0%) was found in any prescription. The fixed dose-drug combinations (FDCs) accounted for 67% drugs prescribed. The most commonly FDC was multivitamin and multimineral which was not included in essential medicine list (EML).Conclusion: Large numbers of prescriptions did not conform to ideal pattern and lack in their rationality. This study revealed a lot of scope for educating the prescribers to improve prescribing practices.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13979 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 07-12
Age Related Change of Total Length of Fallopian Tubes in Bangladesh Female Cadaver
Authors: Hena Hasna , Ara Shamim , Ullah Md Enayet , Qasim Rubina , Siddiqua Dilruba , Jahora Fatema
Published: February 2013

Context: Human life begins in the fallopian tube. It receives the oocyte from the ovary and fertilization take place here. It provides nourishment for the fertilized ovum and transports it to the uterus. So the Fallopian tube is one of the vital organs for human fertility. In treatment of infertility (in ART) and in the management of ectopic (tubal) pregnancies, the knowledge of the anatomy of the fallopian tube is necessary. Study Design: Descriptive type of study.Place & period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from July 2008 to June 2009. Materials: 120 postmortem human fallopian tubes were collected from 60 unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Methods: The samples were divided into three age groups: Group-A (10-13 years), Group-B (14-45 years) and Group-C (46-50 years). Results: In the present study, the mean (± SD) total length of the right and left Fallopian tubes were 9.60 ± 0.55 cm & 9.28 ± 0.48 cm in group A, 11.54 ± 0.80 cm & 11.28 ± 0.71 cm in Group B and 9.25 ± 0.26 cm & 9.10 ± 0.31 cm in Group C respectively. There was no significant difference between the mean length of right and left Fallopian tubes. The highest mean length was found in group B and lowest mean length was in group C. The difference in mean length of the Fallopian tube between Group A & Group B and Group B & Group C were statically significant (P < 0.001).Conclusion: In this study, it was observed that there was significant change in length of fallopian tubes in relation to age.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13980 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 13-16
Maturogenesis of a Cariously Exposed Immature Permanent Tooth using Calcium Hydroxide for Pulpotomy Treatment: A Case Report
Authors: Quader SM Abdul , Bahar Iqbal , Jahan KM Rownak
Published: February 2013

With all aseptic precaution successful pulpotomy treatment of cariuosly exposed permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis and incomplete apex formation can prevent the need for root canal treatment. A case report is presented which demonstrates the use of pulpotomy with calcium hydroxide in order to achieve apexogenesis and the teeth were restored with glass ionomer cement. Clinical and radiographic follow up demonstrated a vital pulp and physiologic root development in comparison with the contra lateral tooth.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/updcj.v1i2.13982 Update Dent. Coll. j. 2011: 1(2): 21-24