bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Late Miocene Dromomerycine Artiodactyl from the Amazon Basin: Implications for Interchange Dynamics
Authors: Prothero Donald R. , Campbell Kenneth E. , Beatty Brian L. , Frailey Carl D.
Published: May 2014

A new dromomerycine palaeomerycid artiodactyl,Surameryx acrensisnew genus new species, from upper Miocene deposits of the Amazon Basin documents the first and only known occurrence of this Northern Hemisphere group in South America. Osteological characters place the new taxon among the earliest known dromomerycine artiodactyls, most similar toBarbouromeryx trigonocorneus, which lived in North America during the early to middle Miocene, 20–16 Ma. Although it has long been assumed that the Great American Biotic Interchange (GABI) began with the closure of the Isthmus of Panama in the late Pliocene, or ca. 3.0–2.5 Ma, the presence of this North American immigrant in Amazonia is further evidence that terrestrial connections between North America and South America through Panama existed as early as the early late Miocene, or ca. 9.5 Ma. This early interchange date was previously indicated by approximately coeval specimens of proboscideans, peccaries, and tapirs in South America and ground sloths in North America. Although palaeomerycids apparently never flourished in South America, proboscideans thrived there until the end of the Pleistocene, and peccaries and tapirs diversified and still live there today.
Ordovician–Silurian Chileida—First Post-Cambrian Records of an Enigmatic Group of Brachiopoda
Authors: Holmer Lars E. , Popov Leonid , Bassett Michael G.
Published: May 2014

Brachiopods of the order Chileida have been recorded previously only from rocks of early to mid-Cambrian age (Botomian–Amgaian). They are typified by having a calcareous strophic shell with a delthyrium and colleplax, and these characters are shown to be present in species of the two new genera Tolen and Trifissura, from the Late Ordovician of Kazakhstan and the Silurian of Sweden and Britain, respectively. In specimens of Trifissura, the triangular colleplax is phosphatized secondarily by bacterial activity. It is suggested that the phosphatized colleplax represents an organic pad and that served as the original attachment structure of Trifissura by encrustation. Tolen and Trifissura represent the first post-Cambrian record of chileides from the Ordovician and Silurian; the new family Trifissuridae forms the first phylogenetic link between Cambrian chileides and Carboniferous–Permian isogrammides.
Cranial Morphology of Theriosuchus sympiestodon (Mesoeucrocodylia, Atoposauridae) and the Widespread Occurrence of Theriosuchus in the Late Cretaceous of Europe
Authors: Martin Jeremy E. , Rabi Márton , Csiki-Sava Zoltán , Vasile Ştefan
Published: May 2014

We present a detailed morphological description of the type-locality cranial material of Theriosuchus sympiestodon Martin, Rabi, and Csiki, 2010 from the Maastrichtian Densuş-Ciula Formation of the Haţeg Basin, Romania together with new material of isolated cranial elements and teeth from various sites of the same general area. The recognition of several individuals of distinct sizes allows for an assessment of ontogenetic variation in this taxon. New material, consisting of isolated teeth and an incomplete maxilla with in situ teeth, coming from various late Campanian/early Maastrichtian sites in southern France is referable to ?Theriosuchus sp. and hints to a rare but widespread distribution of Theriosuchus in the Late Cretaceous European archipelago.
Tanycythere New Genus and its Significance for Jurassic Ostracod Diversity
Authors: Cabral Maria Cristina , Lord Alan , Boomer Ian , Loureiro Isabel , Malz Heinz
Published: May 2014

The new genus Tanycythere (Crustacea, Ostracoda) is described from the Jurassic (Hettangian–Bathonian) of western and central Europe based on T. caudata new species, T. praecaudata praecaudata new subspecies, T. praecaudata parallela new subspecies, T. duartei new species, T. posteroelongata new species, and T. wattonensis new species. Another new species, T. procera, is described from the Lower Cretaceous (?Barremian). Recognition of a new genus comprising six new species and subspecies indicates that overall Jurassic and Early Cretaceous ostracod biodiversity is underestimated.
First Record and Phylogenetic Significance of a Jurassic Diadematacean Sea Urchin from California
Authors: Mooi Rich , Hilton Richard P.
Published: May 2014

Although diadematacean sea urchins (diadematids, aspidodiadematids, and micropygids) likely diverged sometime during the Jurassic, the lack of fossils representing this group has greatly hampered progress in understanding their evolution. No unequivocal Jurassic diademataceans have been described previously from North America. We describe a new genus and species,Sierradiadema kristini, from a single fossil from the Middle Jurassic (Callovian) Colfax sequence of the Mariposa Formation exposed in the Middle Fork American River drainage of the northern Sierra Nevada, California. The specimen, although not complete, reveals details of the spination and tooth morphology often lacking in Jurassic diademataceans, along with test architecture that yields information concerning the relative timing of important events in the origins of the diadematids in particular. We explore this evolution with a phylogenetic analysis of relevant clades with Jurassic times of divergence, finding not only thatSierradiademan. gen. is the earliest known member of a clade containing the extant Diadematidae, but that it will stimulate ongoing discussion of the putative Jurassic origins of all the diadematacean groups.
Effective stress strength testing of peat
Authors: O’Kelly Brendan C.
Published: May 2014

It has been approximately 80 years since the first effective stress strength testing of peat was performed using triaxial apparatus. In light of recent unexpected failures of embankments, dykes, foundations and slopes in peat deposits, it is timely to review current laboratory practice and also provoke discussion about the best way forward for understanding and determining the effective stress strength properties of peat. Compared with fine-grained mineral soils, significant fabric and structural differences (including the porous, compressible nature of the organic solids themselves) make the direct application of classical soil mechanics strength models doubtful for peat. Uncertainties and difficulties of effective stress testing of peat using standard strength apparatus are discussed. Compared with triaxial compression, direct simple shear testing appears to provide conservative estimates of the strength parameter values, and the specimen deformation (failure) mode more closely represents that occurring in translational planar slides. It is recommended that the geotechnical profession investigates alternative theoretical frameworks to explain and predict peat strength (and compression) behaviour along with the development of new apparatus and methodologies for determining appropriate parameter values.
Aquaplaning risk assessment in Portuguese road design guide
Authors: Micaelo Rui , Soares André , Ferreira Adelino
Published: May 2014

For a long time, the aquaplaning phenomenon has been acknowledged to cause serious road accidents, during heavy rainfall, given specific vehicle and road conditions. Accident statistics confirm that during adverse weather conditions the rate of crashes increases. Portuguese road concession contracts require accident rates to be monitored and define payment adjustment factors in relation to accident rate variation in comparison with data from previous years. However, there are no defined guidelines to assess the risk of aquaplaning and how to deal with it. A discussion of the definition of guidelines to assess aquaplaning risk at project level in Portugal, and the recommended countermeasures, considering other world administrations' analysis methodologies and published research results of the past 50 years are presented herein. The critical analysis highlights the conditions contributing to failure and the share of responsibility between the road administration and the driver.
Tracking the rapid loss of tidal wetlands in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Murray Nicholas J , Clemens Robert S , Phinn Stuart R , Possingham Hugh P , Fuller Richard A
Published: May 2014

In the Yellow Sea region of East Asia, tidal wetlands are the frontline ecosystem protecting a coastal population of more than 60 million people from storms and sea‐level rise. However, unprecedented coastal development has led to growing concern about the status of these ecosystems. We developed a remote‐sensing method to assess change over ~4000 km of the Yellow Sea coastline and discovered extensive losses of the region's principal coastal ecosystem – tidal flats – associated with urban, industrial, and agricultural land reclamations. Our analysis revealed that 28% of tidal flats existing in the 1980s had disappeared by the late 2000s (1.2% annually). Moreover, reference to historical maps suggests that up to 65% of tidal flats were lost over the past five decades. With the region forecast to be a global hotspot of urban expansion, development of the Yellow Sea coastline should pursue a course that minimizes the loss of remaining coastal ecosystems.
Determinants of maximum tree height inEucalyptusspecies along a rainfall gradient in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Givnish Thomas J. , Wong S. Chin , Stuart-Williams Hilary , Holloway-Phillips Meisha , Farquhar Graham D.
Published: May 2014

We present a conceptual model linking dry‐mass allocational allometry, hydraulic limitation, and vertical stratification of environmental conditions to patterns in vertical tree growth and tree height. Maximum tree height should increase with relative moisture supply and both should drive variation in apparent stomatal limitation. Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) shouldnotvary with maximum tree height across a moisture gradient when only hydraulic limitation or allocational allometry limit height, but increase with moisture when both hydraulic limitationandallocational allometry limit maximum tree height. We quantified tree height and Δ along a gradient in annual precipitation from 300 to 1600 mm from mallee to temperate rain forest in southeastern Australia;Eucalyptuson this gradient span almost the entire range of tree heights found in angiosperms worldwide. Maximum tree height showed a strong, nearly proportional relationship to the ratio of precipitation to pan evaporation. Δ increased with ln P/Ep, suggesting that both hydraulic limitation and allocational allometry set maximum tree height. Coordinated shifts in several plant traits should result in different species having an advantage in vertical growth rate at different points along a rainfall gradient, and in maximum tree height increasing with relative moisture supply, photosynthetic rate, nutrient supply, and xylem diameter.
Advances and challenges in geotectonic modelling
Authors: Burov Evgene , Francois Thomas , Yamato Philippe , Wolf Sylvie
Published: May 2014

Thermo-mechanical numerical modelling becomes a universal tool for studying short- and long-term lithosphere processes, validating and verifying geodynamic and geological concepts and putting stronger constraints on the observational data. State-of-the-art models account for rheological and mineralogical structure of the lithosphere, implement high resolution calculations, and their outputs can be directly matched with the geological and geophysical observations. Challenges of these models are vast including understanding of the behavior of complex geological systems and processes, parameterization of rheological parameters and other rock properties for geological conditions, not forgetting a large number of future methodological breakthroughs such as the development of ultra-high resolution 3D models coupled with thermodynamic processes, fluid circulation and surface processes. We here discuss both geological and geodynamic applications of the models, their principles, and the results of regional modelling studies focused on rifting, convergent and transform plate boundaries.
Emerging Importance of Neuron-Satellite Glia Interactions within Trigeminal Ganglia in Craniofacial Pain
Authors: Durham P. L. , Garrett F. G.
Published: May 2014

Pain in the head and face, which can be very severe and debilitating, often involves activation of trigeminal ganglion nerves. The craniofacial symptoms can manifest as acute or transient conditions such as toothaches and headaches, or can transform into more chronic conditions such as migraine, rhinosinusitis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, or trigeminal neuralgia. Traditionally, it is known that peripheral tissue injury or inflammation leads to excitation of trigeminal nerves that release inflammatory molecules in the periphery as well as facilitate transmission of nociceptive signals to the central nervous system. However, findings from recent studies have demonstrated that peripheral tissue injury or inflammation also leads to increased interactions between neuronal cell bodies and satellite glial cells within the trigeminal ganglion. These cell-to-cell interactions, which involve the transfer of key regulatory mediators via channels or gap junctions as well as paracrine signaling, are thought to play an important role in the induction and maintenance of peripheral sensitization of trigeminal nociceptors. The focus of this review will be on understanding the importance of the increased signaling between neuronal cell bodies and satellite glia cells in trigeminal ganglia to the development of persistent pain.
Complementary Medicine and Pain Treatment: One Size does not Fit All
Authors: Luchetti Marco
Published: May 2014

In this special issue eminent researchers in the field review the use of some among the most used complementary therapies and techniques for the treatment of pain. In the last decade, researchers have begun to understand better the complex interplay of neurons and messenger molecules that leads to the perception of pain. However, they are just now starting to explain how emotional affects and cognitive functions contribute to the experience of pain [1]. Since there are so many factors affecting pain perception and experience, the application of a traditional therapeutic model may fail as it does not consider the multidimensional nature of pain [2]. The keys to improving pain control are: good communication, comprehensive assessment of the patient, and thorough explanation of treatment options. Effective communication between doctor and patient can provide a more complete picture of the patient  s pain experience. According to this perspective, complementary and alternative treatments are often incorporated into the care offered by multidisciplinary pain management teams, and include a wide range of techniques [3]. Voltaire stated that “doctors are men who prescribe medicines of which they know little, to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of whom they know nothing”. Nowadays, doctors know almost everything about the drugs they prescribe, much about the diseases they cure, but still almost nothing about the ill person. What Edison stated at the beginning of the last century is just what is practiced nowadays by the so-called holistic medicine, the medicine of the wholeness, considering human beings as an undivided whole of body-mind-spirit. On this concept of unity all unconventional medicines are based. Frustration due to poor experience of pain management may lead patients to consult alternative practitioners as a last resort [4]. Alternative therapies can offer patients an individual approach tailored to their specific needs. Patients may perceive benefit from an empathetic approach and the feeling that their pain is taken seriously [5]. Actually, the principle critique against alternative therapies deals with their lack of scientific rigor. Evidence is crucial, but it needs to be based on solid scientific foundations [6]. Hippocrates used to say: “There are in fact two things, science and opinion; the former begets knowledge, the latter ignorance”. Placebo effect is often alleged by conventional medicine as an explanation of unconventional therapies results. Yet, it could be suspected that placebo effect is advocated to cover the discomfort that scientific minds experience when faced with the unusual [7]....
Contribution of Ion Channel Trafficking to Nociceptor Sensitization
Authors: Camprubí-Robles M. , Ferrer-Montiel A. , Planells-Cases R.
Published: May 2014

Nociceptor sensitization is a process triggered by proinflammatory factors that result in a significant increase in neuronal excitability by affecting both the threshold and frequency of action potential firing. The increased sensory neuron activity is due to a metabolic change produced by the activation of intracellular signaling cascades that usually alter the expression and functionality of molecular sensors present in the neuronal surface, i.e. ion channels and metabotropic receptors. Cumulative evidence is showing that inflammatory sensitization of nociceptors is significantly contributed by an enhanced expression of ion channels that directly influence neuronal excitability. Furthermore, recent data indicates that mobilization and regulated exocytosis of a ready-to-go vesicular population of channels as a pivotal event underlying acute inflammatory sensitization of sensory neurons; whereas an increment in transcription and/or translation and trafficking is involved in chronic neuronal sensitization. Therefore, identification of the molecular components involved in channel
trafficking and exocytosis in the inflamed terminal may provide new strategies for attenuating nociceptor sensitization and their consequences, namely hyperalgesia and allodynia.
Focal Inflammation Causes Carbenoxolone-Sensitive Tactile Hypersensitivity in Mice
Authors: Hanstein Regina , Zhao Julie B. , Basak Rajshekhar , Smith David N. , Zuckerman Yonatan Y. , Hanani Menachem , Spray David C. , Gulinello Maria
Published: May 2014

A focal and transitory inflammation induced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in the submandibular skin of mice elicits pain behavior that persists for several weeks after the initial inflammation has resolved.Chronic pain, assessed as tactile hypersensitivity to stimulation with von Frey filaments, was evident from 1-7 weeks following CFA injection, although inflammation at the injection site was resolved by 3-4 weeks. In contrast, there were no changes in tactile sensitivity in the paw (un-injected site for comparison), no alterations in open field behavior and no differences in a functional observation battery evident in CFA-treated mice compared to controls (saline-injected) or to baseline (before CFA injection). Neither strain (Balb/c vs. C57BL/6) nor sex differences in baseline tactile threshold were significant in the submandibular skin. CFA-induced tactile hypersensitivity was also not a function of strain or sex. A single intraperitoneal injection of the gap junction blocker carbenoxolone (CBX) restored normal tactile thresholds in CFA-treated mice when administered at the peak of inflammation (1 week), after significant resolution of inflammation (3 weeks) or after total resolution of inflammation (4 and 5 weeks) without altering the tactile threshold of control subjects,tactile threshold in the paw or open field behavior. Thus, in this novel model of post-inflammatory pain, transitory inflammation induced persistent sex- and strain-independent behavioral hypersensitivity that was reversed by the gap
junction blocker CBX, suggesting neuronal and/or glial plasticity as a major component of the chronic pain
Contribution of Primary Afferent Input to Trigeminal Astroglial Hyperactivity, Cytokine Induction and NMDA Receptor Phosphorylation
Authors: Wang H. , Guo W. , Yang K. , Wei F. , Dubner R. , Ren K.
Published: May 2014

We tested the hypothesis that primary afferent inputs play a role in astroglial hyperactivity after tissue injury.We first injected complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA, 0.05 ml, 1:1 oil/saline) into the masseter muscle, which upregulated glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), a marker of astrocytes, interleukin (IL)-1β, an inflammatory cytokine, and phosphorylation of serine896 of the NR1 subunit (P-NR1) of the NMDA receptor in the subnuclei interpolaris/caudalis (Vi/Vc) transition zone, an important structure for processing trigeminal nociceptive input. Local anesthetic block with lidocaine (2%) of the masseter muscle at 10 min prior to injection of CFA into the same site significantly reduced the CFA-induced increase in GFAP, IL-1β and P-NR1 (p<0.05, n=4/group). We then tested the effect of peripheral electrical stimulation (ES). The ES protocol was burst stimulation consisting of trains of 4 square pulses (10-100 Hz, 0.1-3 mA, 0.5 ms pulse width). Under pentobarbital anesthesia, an ES was delivered every 0.2 s for a total of 30 min. The Vi/Vc tissues were processed for immunohistochemistry or western blot analysis at 10-120 min after ES. Compared to naive and SHAM-treated rats, there was increased immunoreactivity against GFAP, IL-1β and P-NR1 in the Vi/Vc in rats receiving ES. Double staining showed that IL-1β was selectively localized in GFAP-positive astroglia, and P-NR1- immunoreactivity was localized to neurons. These findings indicate that primary afferent inputs are necessary and
sufficient to induce astroglial hyperactivity and upregulation of IL-1β, as well as neuronal NMDA receptor phosphorylation.
Improvement of linerboard compressive strength by hot-pressing and addition of recovered lignin from spent pulping liquor
Authors: Saidan Motasem
Published: May 2014

This paper evaluates the effect of addition of precipitated lignin, from
spent pulping black liquor, to a wet single-ply linerboard handsheet followed
by hot-pressing at different temperatures, on the improvement of its
compressive strength. Linerboard handsheets for testing the effect of lignin
addition were prepared so that the lignin-modified sheets would have the same
basis weights as the control handsheets. Both the commercial and the black
liquor lignin were added as a powder to wet handsheets after couching from
the handsheet mold. The experiments and testing of the physical and strength
properties of dried handsheets were conducted according to TAPPI test
methods. The results revealed that the addition of the recovered lignin (at
pH of 2) to the wet handsheet followed by hot-pressing at 150?C increased the
compressive strength of linerboard handsheets by 10% to 20% above that for
handsheets made without the addition of lignin. The same results were
achieved using purchased lignin. However, with a 16% addition to linerboard,
purchased lignin would be too expensive. These results indicate that
inclusion of kraft lignin in linerboard sheets could be proved as an
attractive option to reduce linerboard basis weight.
Evaluation of water, sucrose and minerals effective diffusivities during osmotic treatment of pork in sugar beet molasses
Authors: Nicetin Milica , Pezo Lato , Loncar Biljana , Filipovic Vladimir , Suput Danijela , Zlatanovic Snezana , Dojcinovic Biljana
Published: May 2014

Effective diffusivities of water, sucrose and minerals in osmotic treatment
of pork cubes (M. triceps brachii) were calculated using Response Surface
Methodology (RSM), with respect to temperature (20, 35 and 50oC) and
concentration of sugar beet molasses, (60, 70 and 80% w/w). The numerical
solution of Fick's' law for unsteady-state mass transfer in a perfect cube
configuration was used to calculate the effective diffusivities of water,
sucrose and minerals (Na, K, Ca and Mg). Zugarramurdi and Lupin's model was
used to predict the equilibrium condition, which was shown to be appropriate
for water loss and solute uptake during osmotic treatment. Effective
diffusivity of water was found to be in the range of 6.95?10-10 - 8.03?10-10
m2s-1, the sucrose effective diffusivity was between 6.39?10-10 and
8.25?10-10 m2s-1, while diffusivities for minerals were in the range
6.34?10-10 - 8.82?10-10 m2s-1, for Na, 6.27?10-10 - 7.43?10-10 m2s-1, for K,
6.44?10-10 - 8.94?10-10 m2s-1, for Ca and 3.47?10-10 - 5.66?10-10 m2s-1, for
Mg.
Energy integration of nitric acid production using pinch methodology
Authors: Ivanis Gorica , Lazarevic Marija , Radovic Ivona , Kijevcanin Mirjana
Published: May 2014

Pinch methodology was applied to the heat exchangers network (HEN) synthesis
of nitric acid production. The integration is analyzed in two ways, and the
results are presented as two different solutions: (i) the first solution is
based on the original heat transfer equipment arrangement, (ii) in order to
eliminate the shortages of the first solution the second HEN was obtained
using process simulation with optimized process parameters. Optimized HEN,
with new arrangement of heat exchangers, gave good results in energy and
process optimization.
The Impact of CEO and CFO Equity Incentives on Audit Scope and Perceived Risks as Revealed Through Audit Fees
Authors: Kannan Yezen H. , Skantz Terrance R. , Higgs Julia L.
Published: May 2014

In 2013, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) proposed an amendment to Auditing Standard No. 12 (PCAOB 2010) that would require auditors to consider executive compensation in audit planning because of potential fraud risk associated with equity incentives. We use the association between audit fees and CEO and CFO equity incentives to infer whether auditors increase audit scope and perceive greater risk as equity incentives increase. Equity incentives are defined as the sensitivity of the value of executives' equity portfolios to changes in share price (delta incentive) and to changes in return volatility (vega incentive). We find a positive association between audit fees and vega, but not delta. However, when we interact vega with proxies for residual auditor business risk, we find that the fee premiums for risk decrease as vega increases. Our results suggest that auditors do consider executive compensation in audit planning.
Life’s Simple 7 and Incidence of Diabetes Among American Indians: The Strong Heart Family Study
Authors: Fretts Amanda M. , Howard Barbara V. , McKnight Barbara , Duncan Glen E. , Beresford Shirley A.A. , Mete Mihriye , Zhang Ying , Siscovick David S.
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

The American Heart Association’s recommendations for optimal health, summarized in Life’s Simple 7, have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related end points, but no studies have examined the association of these goals with incident type 2 diabetes, which is associated with high risk for CVD. The purpose of this analysis was to examine the associations of Life’s Simple 7 goals with incident diabetes among American Indians, a population at high risk of cardiometabolic diseases.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Strong Heart Family Study participants without diabetes (n = 1,639) at baseline and who participated in a follow-up examination were included in the analysis. Risk scores ranging from 0 to 7 were created using physical activity, diet, BMI, smoking, blood pressure, fasting glucose, and cholesterol metrics in accordance with Life’s Simple 7 goals. Diabetes was defined using 2003 American Diabetes Association criteria, including use of insulin or oral antidiabetes medication or a follow-up fasting plasma glucose level ≥126 mg/dL. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine the association of risk scores with incident diabetes.

RESULTS

During a mean 5-year follow-up (range 4–8 years), we identified 210 cases of incident type 2 diabetes. Compared with participants who achieved 0–1 goals, those who achieved 2–3 or 4+ goals had lower odds of diabetes, with odds ratios = 0.40 (95% CI 0.29–0.56) and 0.11 (95% CI 0.05–0.21), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The adoption of as few as two or three Life’s Simple 7 goals is associated with a lower risk of diabetes.
Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Glucose Metabolism in Men With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Gianatti Emily J. , Dupuis Philippe , Hoermann Rudolf , Strauss Boyd J. , Wentworth John M. , Zajac Jeffrey D. , Grossmann Mathis
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether testosterone therapy improves glucose metabolism in men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and lowered testosterone.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial in 88 men with T2D, aged 35–70 years with an HbA1c ≤8.5% (69 mmol/mol), and a total testosterone level, measured by immunoassay, of ≤12.0 nmol/L (346 ng/dL). Participants were randomly assigned to 40 weeks of intramuscular testosterone undecanoate (n = 45) or matching placebo (n = 43). All study subjects were included in the primary analysis. Seven men assigned to testosterone and six men receiving placebo did not complete the study. Main outcome measures were insulin resistance by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR, primary outcome) and glycemic control by HbA1c (secondary outcome).

RESULTS

Testosterone therapy did not improve insulin resistance (mean adjusted difference [MAD] for HOMA-IR compared with placebo −0.08 [95% CI −0.31 to 0.47; P = 0.23]) or glycemic control (MAD HbA1c 0.36% [0.0–0.7]; P = 0.05), despite a decrease in fat mass (MAD −2.38 kg [−3.10 to −1.66]; P < 0.001) and an increase in lean mass (MAD 2.08 kg [1.52–2.64]; P < 0.001). Testosterone therapy reduced subcutaneous (MAD −320 cm3 [−477 to −163]; P < 0.001) but not visceral abdominal adipose tissue (MAD 140 cm3 [−89 to 369]; P = 0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

Testosterone therapy does not improve glucose metabolism or visceral adiposity in obese men with moderately controlled T2D and modest reductions in circulating testosterone levels typical for men with T2D.
Increased Risk of Fracture and Postfracture Adverse Events in Patients With Diabetes: Two Nationwide Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Studies
Authors: Liao Chien-Chang , Lin Chao-Shun , Shih Chun-Chuan , Yeh Chun-Chieh , Chang Yi-Cheng , Lee Yuan-Wen , Chen Ta-Liang
Published: May 2014

OBJECTIVE

The relationship between diabetes and fracture is not completely understood. This study evaluated fracture risk and postfracture mortality in patients with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We identified 32,471 adults newly diagnosed with diabetes in 2000–2003 using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database. A comparison cohort of 64,942 adults without diabetes was randomly selected from the same dataset, with frequency matched by age and sex. Fracture events in 2000–2008 were ascertained from medical claims. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of fracture associated with diabetes were calculated. A nested cohort study of 17,002 patients with fracture receiving repair surgeries between 2004 and 2010 calculated adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs of adverse events after fracture in patients with and without diabetes.

RESULTS

During 652,530 person-years of follow-up, there were 12,772 newly diagnosed fracture cases. The incidences of fracture for people with diabetes and without were 24.2 and 17.1 per 1,000 person-years, respectively (P < 0.0001). Compared with people without diabetes, the adjusted HR of fracture was 1.66 (95% CI 1.60–1.72) for people with diabetes. The ORs of postfracture deep wound infection, septicemia, and mortality associated with diabetes were 1.34 (95% CI 1.06–1.71), 1.42 (95% CI 1.23–1.64), and 1.27 (95% CI 1.02–1.60), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes was associated with fracture. Patients with diabetes had more adverse events and subsequent mortality after fracture. Prevention of fracture and postfracture adverse events is needed in this susceptible population.
Seven-Year Clinical Performance of Resin Composite Versus Resin-Modified Glass Ionomer Restorations in Noncarious Cervical Lesions
Authors: Fagundes TC , Barata TJE , Bresciani E , Santiago SL , Franco EB , Lauris JRP , Navarro MF
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to comparatively assess the seven-year clinical performance of a one-bottle etch-and-rinse adhesive with resin composite (RC) and resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) restorations in noncarious cervical lesions.

Methods and Materials

One operator placed 70 restorations (35 restorations in each group) in 30 patients under rubber dam isolation without mechanical preparation. The restorations were directly assessed by two independent examiners, using modified US Public Health Service criteria at baseline and 6, 12, 24, 60, and 84 months. The obtained data were tabulated and statistically analyzed using the Fisher and McNemar tests. A difference was significant if p<0.05.

Results

Twenty patients were available for recall after seven years (66.6%), and 25 RC and 26 RMGI restorations out of 70 restorations were evaluated. Excellent agreement was registered for all criteria between examiners (κ≥0.85). Alfa and bravo scores were classified as clinically acceptable. The McNemar test detected significant differences within RC restorations between baseline and seven-year evaluations for anatomic form, marginal integrity, and retention (p<0.05). For RMGI restorations, a significant difference was identified for marginal integrity (p<0.05). As to material comparison, the Fisher exact showed a better retention performance for RMGI restorations than for RC restorations (p<0.05). Twelve composite restorations were dislodged (52.0% retention) and three ionomer restorations were lost (88.5% retention). The cumulative success rate for RC and RMGI was 30% and 58.1%, respectively.

Conclusions

After seven years of service, the clinical performance of RMGI restorations was superior to that of the adhesive system/resin composite restorations in this study.
Neonatal Vaccination with Plasmid DNA Encoding Cyn d 1 Effectively Prevents Allergic Responses in Mice
Authors: Huang Ching-Feng , Wu Chia-Chao , Chu Der-Ming , Chang Zo-Nan , Chue Fung-Lin , Peng Ho-Jen
Published: May 2014

Background

Allergic rhinitis is one of the most common atopic disorders in children. There is no available method to prevent airway sensitization in newborns except allergen avoidance. Recombinant DNA plasmids encoding allergens have been proven to activate Th1 but attenuate Th2-deviated allergic responses in adult animal studies. However, their preventive effects are not presumptive in neonates because of their immature immune function. The aim of this study was to examine the potential preventive effect of a DNA vaccine encoding grass pollen allergen Cyn d 1 on allergic reaction to grass pollen in neonatal mice.

Methods

Recombinant plasmid Cyn d 1 (pCyn d 1) vaccine was constructed by insertion of Cyn d 1 cDNA into the vector pcDNA3. Neonatal BALB/c mice received the vaccine once on the 3rd day of life or a second dose 2 days later. Control mice received PBS only. Mice were sensitized twice with recombinant Cyn d 1 and alum beginning at 7 weeks of age. Serum antibody responses and cytokine profiles of spleen cells were examined.

Results

Neonatal injection with pCyn d 1 vaccine resulted in IgG2a responses and production of interferon gamma in spleen cells. Vaccination with pCyn d 1 also reduced specific IgE responses and spleen cell secretion of IL-4.

Conclusion

This study shows the prophylactic effects of DNA vaccine encoding Bermuda grass pollen allergen Cyn d 1 on specific IgE responses in neonatal mice.
Differences in Initial Immunoprofiles between Recurrent and Nonrecurrent Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Van Zele Thibaut , Holtappels Gabriele , Gevaert Philippe , Bachert Claus
Published: May 2014

Background

Surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) often fails because of recurrence of disease. So far, we do not know if specific cytokine profiles are linked to recurrence after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) or can predict recurrence. In this study we investigate the cytokine profile in CRSwNPs that underwent FESS for the first time and recurrent CRSwNPs.

Methods

Tissue samples (n = 21) of CRSwNP patients with no recurrence after the first surgery were randomly selected out of 131 primary FESS surgeries and compared with tissue samples (n = 15) from patients who had a first and second surgery because of recurrence. Interleukin (IL)-1beta, IgE, specific IgE, IL-5, interferon (IFN) gamma, IL-6, IL-17, transforming growth factor (TGF) beta1, and myeloperoxidase were measured on tissue homogenates.

Results

Levels of IgE, specific IgE to Staphylococcus aureus enterotoxin, eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and IL were significantly increased in recurrent versus nonrecurrent CRSwNPs at the moment of the first surgery, whereas IL-17, IL-6, TGF-beta1, and IL-1beta did not show any significant difference. IFN-gamma protein levels were significantly higher in nonrecurrent CRSwNPs. The odds ratio for recurrence of CRSwNPs was reduced to 0.029, if IFN-gamma was present in tissue homogenates. Asthma and aspirin intolerance were significantly more frequent in the recurrent CRSwNPs compared with nonrecurrent CRSwNPs.

Discussion

Nonrecurrent and recurrent CRSwNPs needing revision surgery have different types of inflammatory patterns. Nonrecurrent CRSwNPs exhibits a mixed pattern of T helper (Th) cytokines with significant higher levels of IFN-gamma and lower concentrations of IgE, ECP, and IL-5 as compared with recurrent CRSwNPs that had a predominant Th2 type of inflammation
Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy Increases Plasma Gelsolin Levels
Authors: Janciauskiene Sabina , Olejnicka Beata , Koczulla Rembert , Cardell Lars-Olaf , Welte Tobias , Westin Ulla
Published: May 2014

Background

It has been observed that patients with allergic asthma/rhinitis have increased apoptosis of peripheral blood cells. This study was designed to explore the idea that the markers of apoptosis may help predict the response of allergen immunotherapy.

Methods

The Allergy Department of University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden, recruited a total of 58 young adults (<35 years) with a history of birch pollen/grass pollen–induced allergic rhinitis. Their diagnoses were verified by positive skin-prick tests and the presence of serum-specific immunoglobulin E antibodies toward birch and/or grass pollen. Plasma samples were obtained from 34 patients before the start of immunotherapy and 24 patients after treatment. The control group consisted of 38 nonallergic individuals. The levels of plasma gelsolin, soluble forms of Fas (sFas) and Fas ligand (Fas-L), the chemokine CCL17 (thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine), and tissue inhibitor of metalloprotease (TIMP) 1, were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

In patients receiving immunotherapy plasma gelsolin levels were higher relative to those without immunotherapy (the median level was 23.97 μg/mL [range, 18–35.8 μg/mL] versus 21.2 μg/mL [range, 13.9–29.8 μg/mL]; p = 0.012) and were similar to those of healthy controls (24.7 μg/mL [range, 17.4–35.3 μg/mL]). Plasma levels of sFas, Fas-L, CCL17, and TIMP-1 did not differ between study groups. Only in controls did the plasma gelsolin levels inversely correlate to the levels of soluble Fas.

Conclusion

Allergen-specific immunotherapy increases plasma levels of gelsolin, an antioxidant and antiapoptotic protein.
Inhibitory Effect of Prostaglandin E2 on the Migration of Nasal Fibroblasts
Authors: Shin Jae-Min , Park Il-Ho , Moon You-Mi , Hong Sung-Moon , Cho Jung-Sun , Um Ji-Young , Lee Heung-Man
Published: May 2014

Background

Fibroblast migration is crucial for normal wound repair after sinonasal surgery. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a potent inhibitor of fibroblast functions including chemotaxis, proliferation, and matrix production. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PGE2 affects the migration of nasal fibroblasts and to investigate the mechanism of action of PGE2 on nasal fibroblasts.

Methods

Primary cultures of nasal fibroblasts were established from inferior turbinate samples. Fibroblast migration was evaluated with scratch assays. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed for E prostanoid (EP) 1, EP2, EP3, and EP4 receptors. EP receptor–selective agonists and antagonists were used to evaluate receptor functions. Stimulatory G (Gs) proteins were activated to evaluate mechanisms. Intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels were measured by ELISA, and fibroblast cytoskeletal structures were visualized with immunocytochemistry.

Results

PGE2 significantly reduced the migration of nasal fibroblasts. Agonists selective for the EP2 and EP4 receptors significantly reduced the nasal fibroblast migration. Antagonists of the EP2 and EP4 receptors inhibited the effect of PGE2 on nasal fibroblast migration. Activation of Gs protein and adenyl cyclase reduced nasal fibroblast migration.

Conclusion

PGE2 inhibited the migration of nasal fibroblasts via the EP2 and EP4 receptors, and this inhibition was mediated by cAMP elevation. Targeting specific EP receptors could offer therapeutic opportunities for conditions such as delayed wound healing after nasal surgery.
Efficacy of Inferior Turbinoplasty with the use of CO2 Laser, Radiofrequency, and Electrocautery
Authors: Prokopakis Emmanuel P. , Koudounarakis Eleftherios I. , Velegrakis George A.
Published: May 2014

Background

Inferior turbinate surgery is one of the most commonly performed methods for the treatment of rhinitis symptoms, especially al obstruction. This is a comparative study of CO2 laser, electrocautery, and radiofrequency turbinoplasty in the treatment of rhinitis symptoms.

Methods

From 1994 to 2011, 3219 patients were enrolled in the study. Two hundred eighty-three patients were lost during follow-.up. Of the remaining 2936 patients, 1066 were managed using the CO2 laser, whereas 664 and 1206 were managed with the use of radiofrequency and electrocautery, respectively. All procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Patients were asked to evaluate their symptoms with the visual analog scale (VAS) preoperatively, as well as 1 month and 1 year postoperatively. Rhinomanometry was used to objectively evaluate the effect on nasal obstruction.

Results

Mean VAS values preoperatively, regarding nasal obstruction, were 7.43 ± 0.96, 7.33 ± 0.87, and 7.64 ± 0.95 he CO laser, radiofrequency, and electrocautery group, respectively. One month postoperatively, the score was significantly improved in a groups (CO2 la 3.44 ± 0.99; radiofrequency, 3.26 ± 0.76; electrocautery, 3.19 ± 0.79), which was almost stable in the 1st year of follow-up. Similar results were also observed in the evaluation of sneezing and rhinorrhea. Outcome did not statistically differ between the three methods.

Conclusion

The CO2 laser, radiofrequency and electrocautery offer excellent postoperative results in turbinoplasty cases under local anesthesia.
Morphological Study on Age Related Changes in Cortical Thickness Across the Central Sulcus
Authors: Fatema Kanij , Ara Shamim , Afroz Halima , Rahman Mushfika , Sultana Anjuman Ara
Published: May 2014

The central sulcus, which is located between the primary motor and primary somatic sensory cortexes, is an important structure and landmark of the cerebral hemisphere. Localization of the central sulcus is essential before brain tumor resection. Difference of cortical thickness across the banks of the central sulcus is an important indicator for localizing the central sulcus. Cortical thickness varies with age and in many diseased conditions. This Cross-sectional analytical type of study is carried out to establish a normal standard in different age groups for Bangladeshi people in cortical thickness across the central sulcus. The present study was performed on postmortem cerebral hemispheres of 70 Bangladeshi people in different age groups. Total 140 cerebral hemispheres were taken from these cadavers. Among them lowest age was 22 years in both sexes and highest age was 58 years in male and 48 years in female. The samples were divided into four different age groups i.e. Group A (20-29 years), Group B (30-39 years), Group C (40-49 years) and Group D (50-59 years). All the samples were studied morphologically in the Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from January 2010 to December 2010. In the present study, thickness of cerebral cortex across the central sulcus decreased with advancing age. The thickness of anterior bank of central sulcus, thickness of posterior bank of central sulcus and cortical thickness ratio across the central sulcus were 2.64±0.15 to 3.41±0.38 mm, 1.67±0.10 to 2.12±0.22 mm and 1.57±0.03 to 1.62±0.04 respectively. The difference in mean thickness between anterior and posterior bank of central sulcus was statistically significant in all age group (p=0.001). The difference in mean thickness between left and right central sulci was not statistically significant in any age group. The difference in mean thickness of Anterior bank was statistically significant between group A and C (p<0.01), A and D (p<0.01), B and C (p<0.05), B and D (p<0.01) in both left and right central sulci. The difference in mean thickness of posterior bank was significant between group A and C (p<0.01), A and D (p<0.01), B and D (p<0.01) in both left and right central sulci. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18764 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 4-9
Lipid Profile, Glycaemic and Anthropometric Status of Students of a Private Medical College in Dhaka City
Authors: Yeasmin Roksana , Nahar Nazmun , Begum Khadiza , Parveen Sultana , Akhter Farzana , Aziz Murshida , Islam Fahmida , Eyaub Tohfa
Published: May 2014

Over weight and obesity are recognized as recent threat which affecting both developing and developed countries. Obesity and its associated morbidities are leading cause of most noncommunicable diseases. Few recent studies have indicated the presence of increasing in over weight and obesity among children and adolescent but there is no study among adult groups. This cross sectional study was done to assess the prevalence of overweight, obesity and metabolic variables with their relation among medical students. Our result reveals that 8.6% & 1.9% male and 15% & 3.2% female are suffering from overweight and obesity (based on BMI) respectively. More females (31.3% and 65.2%) are centrally obese than males (3.5% and 34.8%) (According to Waist Hip ratio and Waist Height ratio respectively). But according to Waist circumference more males (30.7%) are obese than females (24%). There is also significant difference of male and female BP. DBP & SBP of male (79.22mmHg & 118.9 mmHg) have high normal level than female (72.71mmHg & 108.67mmHg) (P<0.001). There is no significant difference of glycaemic status and lipid profile with central obesity. Although male students have high upper level of blood pressure, female students are more obese than males (both according to BMI and central obesity). High blood pressure and obesity both acts as risk factors for the development of non communicable disease. Student's awareness therefore should be increased to reduce central obesity & BP within normal range. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v5i1.18837 Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 5, No. 1: January 2014, Pages 23-28