bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Bone Tissue Engineering Contribute to Therapy Concepts after Resection of Musculoskeletal Sarcoma?
Authors: Holzapfel Boris Michael , Chhaya Mohit Prashant , Melchels Ferry Petrus Wilhelmus , Holzapfel Nina Pauline , Prodinger Peter Michael , von Eisenhart-Rothe Ruediger , van Griensven Martijn , Schantz Jan-Thorsten , Rudert Maximilian , Hutmacher Dietmar Werner
Published: January 2013

Resection of musculoskeletal sarcoma can result in large bone defects where regeneration is needed in a quantity far beyond the normal potential of self-healing. In many cases, these defects exhibit a limited intrinsic regenerative potential due to an adjuvant therapeutic regimen, seroma, or infection. Therefore, reconstruction of these defects is still one of the most demanding procedures in orthopaedic surgery. The constraints of common treatment strategies have triggered a need for new therapeutic concepts to design and engineer unparalleled structural and functioning bone grafts. To satisfy the need for long-term repair and good clinical outcome, a paradigm shift is needed from methods to replace tissues with inert medical devices to more biological approaches that focus on the repair and reconstruction of tissue structure and function. It is within this context that the field of bone tissue engineering can offer solutions to be implemented into surgical therapy concepts after resection of bone and soft tissue sarcoma. In this paper we will discuss the implementation of tissue engineering concepts into the clinical field of orthopaedic oncology.
Selenium-Dependent Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Immunity in Periparturient Dairy Cattle
Authors: Sordillo Lorraine M.
Published: January 2013

Uncontrolled or impaired immune and inflammatory responses in periparturient dairy cows are associated with increased incidence and severity of infectious diseases. The progressive development of oxidative stress during the transition from late gestation to peak lactation is thought to be a significant underlying factor leading to dysfunctional immune cell responses. Certain trace minerals, such as selenium (Se), can ameliorate oxidative stress and reduce the severity of several economically important diseases in dairy cattle including mastitis and metritis. Many of the health benefits of Se can be attributed to the antioxidant functions of selenoproteins. Changes in selenoprotein activity as a consequence of Se nutritional status can directly alter a number of critical cellular functions involved in the inflammatory response. A better understanding of how Se can optimize immune cell responses may facilitate the design of nutritional regimes that will reduce health disorders during the periparturient period.
Aortic Disease in the Young: Genetic Aneurysm Syndromes, Connective Tissue Disorders, and Familial Aortic Aneurysms and Dissections
Authors: Cury Marcelo , Zeidan Fernanda , Lobato Armando C.
Published: January 2013

There are many genetic syndromes associated with the aortic aneurysmal disease which include Marfan syndrome (MFS), Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS), familial thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD), bicuspid aortic valve disease (BAV), and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). In the absence of familial history and other clinical findings, the proportion of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms and dissections resulting from a genetic predisposition is still unknown. In this study, we propose the review of the current genetic knowledge in the aortic disease, observing, in the results that the causative genes and molecular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of aortic aneurysm disease remain undiscovered and continue to be an area of intensive research.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs for Retinal Disease
Authors: Schoenberger Scott D. , Kim Stephen J.
Published: January 2013

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used extensively in ophthalmology for pain and photophobia after photorefractive surgery and to reduce miosis, inflammation, and cystoid macular edema following cataract surgery. In recent years, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved new topical NSAIDs and previously approved NSAIDs have been reformulated. These changes may allow for greater drug penetration into the retina and thereby offer additional therapeutic advantages. For example, therapeutic effects on diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration may now be achievable. We provide an updated review on the scientific rationale and clinical use of NSAIDs for retinal disease.
Wireless Sensing Based on RFID and Capacitive Technologies for Safety in Marble Industry Process Control
Authors: Iacopetti Fabrizio , Saponara Sergio , Fanucci Luca , Neri Bruno
Published: January 2013

This paper presents wireless sensing systems to increase safety and robustness in industrial process control, particularly in industrial machines for marble slab working. The process is performed by abrasive or cutting heads activated independently by the machine controller when the slab, transported on a conveyer belt, is under them. Current slab detection systems are based on electromechanical or optical devices at the machine entrance stage, suffering from deterioration and from the harsh environment. Slab displacement or break inside the machine due to the working stress may result in safety issues and damages to the conveyer belt due to incorrect driving of the working tools. The experimented contactless sensing techniques are based on four RFID and two capacitive sensing technologies and on customized hardware/software. The proposed solutions aim at overcoming some limitations of current state-of-the-art detection systems, allowing for reliable slab detection, outside and/or inside the machine, while maintaining low complexity and at the same time robustness to industrial harsh conditions. The proposed sensing devices may implement a wireless or wired sensor network feeding detection data to the machine controller. Data integrity check and process control algorithms have to be implemented for the safety and reliability of the overall industrial process.
Pneumoscrotum as Complication of Blunt Thoracic Trauma: A Case Report
Authors: Lostoridis Eftychios , Gkagkalidis Konstantinos , Varsamis Nikolaos , Salveridis Nikolaos , Karageorgiou Georgios , Kampantais Spyridon , Tourountzi Paraskevi , Pouggouras Konstantinos
Published: January 2013

Introduction. Pneumoscrotum is a rare clinical entity. It presents with swollen scrotal sac and sometimes with palpable crepitus. It has many etiologies. One of them is due to blunt trauma of the thoracic cage, causing pneumothorax and/or pneumomediastinum.Case Presentation. We report the case of an 82-year-old male who was transferred to the Emergency Department with signs of respiratory distress after a blunt chest trauma. A CT scan was obtained, and bilateral pneumothoraces with four broken ribs were disclosed. Subcutaneous emphysema expanding from the eyelids to the scrotum was observed, and a chest tube was inserted on the right side with immediate improvement of the vital signs of the patient.Discussion. Pneumoscrotum has three major etiologies: (a) local introduction of air or infection from gas-producing bacteria, (b) pneumoperitoneum, and (c) air accumulation from lungs, mediastinum, or retroperitoneum. These sources account for most of the cases described in the literature. Treatment should be individualized, and surgical consultation should be obtained in all cases.Conclusion. Although pneumoscrotum itself is a benign entity, the process by which air accumulates in the scrotum must be clarified, and treatment must target the primary cause.
Short-Term Psychodynamic Psychotherapy in Patients with “Male Depression” Syndrome, Hopelessness, and Suicide Risk: A Pilot Study
Authors: Angeletti Gloria , Pompili Maurizio , Innamorati Marco , Santucci Chiara , Savoja Valeria , Goldblatt Mark , Girardi Paolo
Published: January 2013

Objectives and Methods. This was an observational study of the efficacy of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy (STPP) in a sample of 35 (30 women and 5 men) patients with moderate-to-severe “male depression” (Gotland Scale for Male Depression (GSMD) ≥ 13) comorbid with unipolar mood disorder (dysthymia and major depression) or anxiety disorder. Outcome measures were GSMD and BHS (Beck Hopelessness Scale) score changes from baseline.Results. Patients had a strong response to STPP on the GSMD (estimated mean score change(±SE)=−9.08±2.74;P<0.01; partial eta squared  =0.50), but not on the BHS (estimated mean score change(±SE)=−0.92±1.55;P=0.57; partial eta squared  =0.03). BHS score changes were significantly associated with GSMD score changes (Pearson'sr=0.56;P<0.001), even when controlling for the severity of hopelessness at the baseline (partialr=0.62;P<0.001).Conclusions. STPP proved to be effective in patients suffering from “male depression” although hopelessness was only marginally reduced by this treatment which points to the need to better understand how STPP can be involved in the reduction of suicide risk.
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analyses of a Pebble Bed HTGR Loss of Cooling Event
Authors: Strydom Gerhard
Published: January 2013

The Very High Temperature Reactor Methods Development group at the Idaho National Laboratory identified the need for a defensible and systematic uncertainty and sensitivity approach in 2009. This paper summarizes the results of an uncertainty and sensitivity quantification investigation performed with the SUSA code, utilizing the International Atomic Energy Agency CRP 5 Pebble Bed Modular Reactor benchmark and the INL code suite PEBBED-THERMIX. Eight model input parameters were selected for inclusion in this study, and after the input parameters variations and probability density functions were specified, a total of 800 steady state and depressurized loss of forced cooling (DLOFC) transient PEBBED-THERMIX calculations were performed. The six data sets were statistically analyzed to determine the 5% and 95% DLOFC peak fuel temperature tolerance intervals with 95% confidence levels. It was found that the uncertainties in the decay heat and graphite thermal conductivities were the most significant contributors to the propagated DLOFC peak fuel temperature uncertainty. No significant differences were observed between the results of Simple Random Sampling (SRS) or Latin Hypercube Sampling (LHS) data sets, and use of uniform or normal input parameter distributions also did not lead to any significant differences between these data sets.
A Nonlinear Quasi-3D Approach for the Modeling of Mufflers with Perforated Elements and Sound-Absorbing Material
Authors: Montenegro G. , Della Torre A. , Onorati A. , Fairbrother R.
Published: January 2013

Increasing demands on the capabilities of engine thermo-fluid dynamic simulation and the ability to accurately predict both performance and acoustics have led to the development of several approaches, ranging from fully 3D to simplified 1D models. The quasi-3D approach is proposed as a compromise between the time-demanding 3D CFD analysis and the fast 1D approach; it allows to model the acoustics of intake and exhaust system components, used in internal combustion engines, resorting to a 3D network of 0D cells. Due to its 3D nature, the model predicts high-order modes, improving the accuracy at high frequencies with respect to conventional plane-wave approaches. The conservation equations of mass and energy are solved at cell centers, whereas the momentum equation is applied to cell connections including specific source term to account for the of sound-absorbing materials and perforated elements. The quasi-3D approach has been validated by comparing the predicted transmission loss to measured data for a number of standard configurations typical of internal combustion engine exhaust systems: a reverse-flow chamber and series chambers with perforates and resistive material.
A Case of Tracheal Hamartoma Resected with Loop Electrocautery
Authors: Panagiotou Marios , Kalkanis Alexandros , Karagiannidis Napoleon , Polychronopoulos Vlasis
Published: January 2013

The authors report on the case of a 67-year-old man with longstanding breathlessness, which was eventually attributed to a fixed mass in the upper third of the trachea causing upper airway obstruction. The lesion was amenable to loop electrocautery resection via flexible bronchoscopy that led to prompt resolution of patient symptoms. Biopsy was consistent with tracheal hamartoma, an exceedingly rare benign tracheal tumor. All the cases of tracheal hamartomas in the literature to date, the application of electrocautery and other methods of interventional bronchoscopy for resection of selected tracheal tumors are discussed.
Mechanistic Study of Adsorption of Acid Orange-7 over Aluminum Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Khosla Ekta , Kaur Satindar , Dave Pragnesh N.
Published: January 2013

The adsorption behavior of acid orange-7 (AO-7) on aluminum oxide nanoparticles (ANP) generated by sol-gel method has been investigated to understand the physicochemical process involved and to explore the potential use of nano particles in textile effluent treatment and management. The results revealed that ANP can remove AO-7 dye up to 97.6 mg/g at 303 K. The adsorption process is found to be pH dependent and the optimum pH obtained is 2.0. The equilibrium was established in 1 h. Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin Isotherm models were applied on the system. Scanning electron microscopic analysis reveals eye-catching nanoporous morphology of the material. The results of FTIR spectroscopy reveal that the process is electrostatic complexation mechanism driven. XRD studies revealed nanocrystalline structure of ANP. BET surface area measurement suggests high pore volume and surface area of adsorbent. The kinetic measurements suggest pseudo-second-order kinetic processes. The thermodynamic measurements suggest that all processes are endothermic accompanied with negative ΔG° and positive ΔS°, ΔH°.
An Extensive Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection Involving Bilateral Carotid and Iliac Arteries
Authors: Lee E. W. , Jourabchi N. , Sauk S. C. , Lanum D.
Published: January 2013

We present a rare case of continuous, extensive aortic dissection (AD) involving the bilateral common carotid arteries, the ascending, thoracic, and abdominal aorta, and bifurcation of the right common iliac artery. A 61-year-old man with history of chronic hypertension presented with a one-day history of chest pain, vertigo, left facial drooping, and left hemiparesis. Despite the presence of bilateral carotid bruits, doppler ultrasound of the neck was postponed, and the patient was treated with thrombolytic therapy for a presumed ischemic stroke. The patient's symptoms began to resolve within an hour of treatment, at which time treatment was withheld. Ultrasound performed the following day showed dissection of bilateral common carotid arteries, and CT angiography demonstrated extensive AD as described earlier. The patient subsequently underwent cardiovascular surgery and has been doing clinically well since then. AD has a myriad of manifestations depending on the involvement of aortic branches. Our paper illustrates the importance of having a high index of suspicion for AD when a patient presents with a picture of ischemic stroke, since overlapping signs and symptoms exist between AD and stroke. Differentiating between the two conditions is central to patient care as thrombolytic therapy can be helpful in stroke, but detrimental in AD.
A Case of Colorectal Cancer during Pregnancy: A Brief Review of the Literature
Authors: Khodaverdi Sepideh , Kord Valeshabad Ali , Khodaverdi Maryam
Published: January 2013

The incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) during pregnancy is so rare. Herein we present a case of colorectal cancer that was missed by pregnancy all over the pregnancy period. The patient was a 37-year-old woman (gravid 4, para 2) referred with the complaints of vaginal discharge and suspicious rupture of membrane (ROM). The patient was pale and the initial physical examination revealed dilation of two fingers, effacement about 30%. She underwent emergent cesarean section which showed adhesions surrounding the uterus, the bladder, and the abdominal wall. Forty days postoperatively, the patient presented with abdominal pain in the left upper quadrant (LUQ). Imaging confirmed a mass in LUQ. Partial colectomy of transverse colon (20 cm) was performed. Postoperative histopathologic study revealed a 7 * 6 * 5 cm mass in transverse colon compatible to stage IIa of the Duck class (T3, N0, Mx). Adjuvant chemotherapy was applied and the patient showed improvements during 7 months followup after surgery. Colorectal cancer in pregnancy is associated with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges which mostly lead to late diagnosis in advanced stages and poor prognosis. A targeted program to improve the general population knowledge and the establishment of a national consultant and screening program particularly for women with a planned pregnancy in the high risk group might be beneficial.
Ab Initio Investigation of Nitride in Comparison with Carbide Phase of Superconducting InX (X = C, N)
Authors: Roknuzzaman M. , Islam A. K. M. A.
Published: January 2013

The structural, elastic, electronic, thermal, and optical properties of superconducting nanolaminates Ti2InX (X = C, N) are investigated by density functional theory (DFT). The results obtained from the least studied nitride phase are discussed in comparison with those of carbide phase having value half as that of the former. The carbide phase is found to be brittle in nature, while the nitride phase is less brittle. Elastic anisotropy demonstrates that the c-axis is stiffer in Ti2InN than in Ti2InC. The band structure and density of states show that these phases are conductors, with contribution predominantly from the Ti 3d states. The bulk modulus, Debye temperature, specific heats, and thermal expansion coefficient are obtained as a function of temperature and pressure for the first time through the quasiharmonic Debye model with phononic effects. The estimated values of electron-phonon coupling constants imply that Ti2InC and Ti2InN are moderately coupled superconductors. The calculated thermal expansion coefficient is in fair agreement with the only available measured value for Ti2InC. Further the first time calculated optical functions reveal that the reflectivity is high in the IR-visible-UV region up to ~10 eV and 12.8 eV for Ti2InC and Ti2InN, respectively, showing these to be promising coating materials.
Targeting Oxidative Stress Injury after Ischemic Stroke in Conscious Rats: Limited Benefits with Apocynin Highlight the Need to Incorporate Long Term Recovery
Authors: Weston Robert M. , Lin Bin , Dusting Gregory J. , Roulston Carli L.
Published: January 2013

NADPH oxidase is a major source of superoxide anion following stroke and reperfusion. This study evaluated the effects of apocynin, a known antioxidant and inhibitor of Nox2 NADPH, on neuronal injury and cell-specific responses to stroke induced in the conscious rat. Apocynin treatment (50 mg/kg i.p.) commencing 1 hour prior to stroke and 24 and 48 hours after stroke significantly reduced infarct volume in the cortex by~ 60%, but had no effect on striatal damage or neurological deficits.In situdetection of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using dihydroethidium fluorescence revealed that increased ROS detected in OX-42 positive cells following ischemia was reduced in apocynin-treated rats by~ 51%, but surprisingly increased in surrounding NeuN positive cells of the same rats by~ 27%, in comparison to the contralateral hemisphere. Reduced ROS from activated microglia/macrophages treated with apocynin was associated with reduced Nox2 immunoreactivity without change to the number of cells. These findings confirm the protective effects of apocynin and indicate a novel mechanism via reduced Nox2 expression. We also reveal compensatory changes in neuronal ROS generation as a result of Nox2 inhibition and highlight the need to assess long term individual cell responses to inhibitors of oxidative stress.
Growth Hormone Deficiency in a Patient with Becker Muscular Dystrophy: A Pediatric Case Report
Authors: Calcaterra Valeria , Malvezzi Annachiara , Toglia Rossana , Berardinelli Angela , Bozzola Elena , Bozzola Mauro , Larizza Daniela
Published: January 2013

Objective. To describe a biochemical growth hormone (GH) deficiency and to evaluate therapeutic result in a six-year-old male with Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD).Methods. GH peak was evaluated after response to arginine and insulin. Bone age was evaluated according to Greulich and Pyle method.Results. The GH-supplementary therapy was very effective in terms of growth gain.Conclusion. The possibility of a growth hormone deficiency and treatment with GH in patients with BMD cannot be excluded, especially considering the good therapeutic response.
Connecting Turbulence and Meandering Parameterization to Describe Passive Scalars Dispersion in Low Wind Speed Conditions
Authors: Moreira V. S. , Degrazia G. , Timm A. U. , Roberti D. R. , Maldaner S.
Published: January 2013

The following study deals with meandering of the horizontal mean wind. The
main motivation for such investigation came from the difficulty in describing
contaminant dispersion in meandering conditions. Observational field
measurements point out that the autocorrelation function of the horizontal
wind components, obtained for the meandering cases, displays an oscillating
behavior with the presence of large negative lobes. Such negative lobes
are described by an equation containing functions that represent patterns
of movement associated to meandering and turbulence. As a consequence,
this mathematical formulation connects the turbulence and meandering phenomenon
establishing the employment of hybrid parameters in models that
describe the meandering dispersion. Therefore, considering this dualistic
aspect between meandering and turbulence manifestations, a new set of relations
for the turbulence parameterization joined with the meandering of
the wind have been developed and are available. This new turbulence parameterization
for a stable shear forcing planetary boundary layer, united with
a meandering mean time scale is able to describe contaminant meandering
enhanced spread in a low wind speed stable planetary boundary layer.
An Indoor Mobile Localization Strategy for Robot in NLOS Environment
Authors: Wang Yan , Jing Yuanwei , Jia Zixi
Published: January 2013

This paper deals with the problem of localization of mobile robot in indoor environment with mixed line-of-sight/nonline-of-sight (LOS/NLOS) conditions. To reduce the NLOS errors, a prior knowledge-based correction strategy (PKCS) is proposed to locate the robot. This strategy consists of two steps: NLOS identification and mitigation. We propose an NLOS identification method by applying the statistical theory. Then we correct the NLOS errors by subtracting the expected NLOS errors. Finally, the residual weighting algorithm is employed to estimate the location of the robot. Simulation results show that the proposed strategy significantly improves the accuracy of localization in mixed LOS/NLOS indoor environment.
Vector Variational-Like Inequalities with Generalized Semimonotone Mappings
Authors: Khan Suhel Ahmad
Published: January 2013

We introduce the concepts of generalized relaxed monotonicity and generalized relaxed semimonotonicity. We consider a class of generalized vector variationa-llike inequality problem involving generalized relaxed semimonotone mapping. By using Kakutani-Fan-Glicksberg’s fixed-point theorem, we prove the solvability for this class of vector variational-like inequality with relaxed monotonicity assumptions. The results presented in this paper generalize some known results for vector variational inequality in recent years.
Using Cell-Based Strategies to Break the Link between Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and the Development of Chronic Lung Disease in Later Life
Authors: O'Reilly Megan , Thébaud Bernard
Published: January 2013

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the chronic lung disease of prematurity that affects very preterm infants. Although advances in perinatal care have changed the course of lung injury and enabled the survival of infants born as early as 23-24 weeks of gestation, BPD still remains a common complication of extreme prematurity, and there is no specific treatment for it. Furthermore, children, adolescents, and adults who were born very preterm and developed BPD have an increased risk of persistent lung dysfunction, including early-onset emphysema. Therefore, it is possible that early-life pulmonary insults, such as extreme prematurity and BPD, may increase the risk of COPD later in life, especially if exposed to secondary challenges such as respiratory infections and/or smoking. Recent advances in our understanding of stem/progenitor cells and their potential to repair damaged organs offer the possibility of cell-based treatments for neonatal and adult lung injuries. This paper summarizes the long-term pulmonary outcomes of preterm birth and BPD and discusses the recent advances of cell-based therapies for lung diseases, with a particular focus on BPD and COPD.
Safety and Efficacy of the Prostar XL Vascular Closing Device for Percutaneous Closure of Large Arterial Access Sites
Authors: Thomas Christoph , Steger Volker , Heller Stefan , Heuschmid Martin , Ketelsen Dominik , Claussen Claus D. , Brechtel Klaus
Published: January 2013

Purpose. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of the Prostar XL device for percutaneous large access site closure in an unselected patient and operator collective.Materials and Methods. All patients () who had received percutaneous vascular closing with the Prostar XL device in our institution with follow-up data of at least 6 months were retrospectively included. Primary (freedom from surgical conversion) and continued (freedom from groin surgery in further course) technical success and major (deviations from expected outcome requiring surgery) and minor (other deviations from expected outcome) complications were assessed. Success and complications rates were correlated with delivery system size (Mann-Whitney Rank Sum Tests) and operator experience (paired samplest-test).Results. Rates of primary and continued technical success as well as major and minor complications were 93.6%, 89.7%, 10.3%, and 10.3% (groin based) and 90.0%, 84.0%, 16.0%, and 16.0% (patient based), respectively. No correlation of success and complications rate was found with delivery system sizes and operator experience.Conclusions. Application of the Prostar XL device for percutaneous closure of large arterial access sites is safe with a relatively high rate of technical success and low rate of major complications. Sizes of the delivery systems and the experience of the operator did not influence the results.
Peripheral Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma: Case Series Literature Review
Authors: Ganji Kiran Kumar , Chakki ArunKumar Bhimashankar , Nagaral Sharanbasappa Chandrashekar , Verma Esha
Published: January 2013

The concept of fibroosseous lesions of bone has evolved over the last several decades and now includes two major entities: fibrous dysplasia and ossifying fibroma. Peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma is a relatively rare tumour classified between fibroosseous lesions. It predominantly affects adolescents and young adults, with peak prevalence between 10 and 19 yrs. The cemento-ossifying fibroma is a central neoplasm of bone as well as periodontium which has caused considerable controversy because of confusion regarding terminology and the criteria for its diagnosis. The cemento-ossifying fibroma is odontogenic in origin, whereas ossifying fibroma is of bony origin. Lesions histologically similar to peripheral ossifying fibroma have been given various names in existing literature. Therefore, we present and discuss in this paper a series of cases of peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma emphasizing the differential diagnosis.
Nutritional Status among the Urban Meitei Children and Adolescents of Manipur, Northeast India
Authors: Singh Maibam Samson , Devi R. K. Neeta
Published: January 2013

Purpose. To determine the nutritional status (underweight and overweight) among Meitei children and adolescents. Methods. Cross-sectional data on 854 subjects (384 boys and 470 girls) were collected during the months of May 2009 to August 2009 following house-to-house survey. An anthropometric rod and a weighing scale were used to measure height and weight. The presence of underweight and overweight has been evaluated using the international cutoff points for children and adolescents. MS-Excel software was used for all statistical analyses. Results. A high prevalence of underweight (30.21%) and overweight (3.12%) in the present study was found among children and adolescent boys, respectively. Among girls, the prevalence of both underweight (33.86%) and overweight (5.18%) was reported higher among children than adolescents, and the differences in the distribution were significant at 0.05 levels. The overall prevalence of underweight (28.29%) was found more or less the same among boys and girls, but overweight (5.10%) was reported higher among girls than boys (2.34%). Conclusion. The possible reasons for both forms of malnutrition among Meitei children and adolescents could be traced through poverty, low dietary intake, socioeconomic condition, nutrition transition, and changing lifestyles. The other possible reasons could be due to peer pressure, eating habits, or emotional factor.
Effects of Different Sustained Hydrostatic Pressures on Connexin 43 in Human Bladder Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Kunjie , Li Hong , Chen Lin , Xu Feng , Wu Tao
Published: January 2013

Objectives: To cultivate primary human bladder smooth muscle cells (hBSMCs) in vitro and to study the influences of different sustained hydrostatic pressures upon hBSMCs in terms of cell proliferation and expression of gap-junction connexin 43 (Cx43). Methods: hBSMCs were exposed to 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 cm H2O sustained hydrostatic pressures for 6, 12, 24 and 72 h, respectively. hBSMC proliferation was quantified with Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) afterwards. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were employed to determine hBSMC Cx43 expression. Results: hBSMC proliferation increased with time (6–72 h) without significant differences between pressure levels at each time point. Expression of Cx43 on Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining was similar under varied pressures for 6 and 12 h while seeing significant decreases under hydrostatic pressures >60 cm H2O for 24 h or pressures >40 cm H2O for 72 h. Conclusions: Different sustained hydrostatic pressures (<100 cm H2O) bear no significant effects on proliferation of hBSMCs. Interestingly, hydrostatic pressures above the physiological level seem to cause the gap junctions of hBSMCs to decrease significantly and affect the cellular functions in the cultivation group over a longer period of time.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Inflammatory Cells in Benign and Precancerous Lesions and Carcinoma of the Prostate
Authors: Fujii Tomomi , Shimada Keiji , Asai Osamu , Tanaka Nobumichi , Fujimoto Kiyohide , Hirao Kazuya , Konishi Noboru
Published: January 2013

Objective: Inflammation is an important cause of tumorigenesis in various types of malignancy. Mediators derived from inflammatory cells are associated with cancer proliferation, angiogenesis, and DNA damage. In the present study, we immunohistochemically examined the infiltration patterns of inflammatory cells in benign glands including glandular hyperplasia, and in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinoma. Methods: Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from 100 patients with prostate cancer. All patients underwent radical prostatectomy. We assessed the number of infiltrating T cells (CD3+), B cells (CD20+, CD79alpha+), and macrophages (CD68+, CD204+) in benign and malignant prostate tumors. Results: CD68+ macrophages infiltrated benign glands to a higher extent than those of adenocarcinoma. In contrast, the number of CD204+ cells was higher in malignant glands than in benign glands. There was no significant difference in the number of infiltrating T cells between benign and malignant tumors; however, the number of infiltrating B cells was significantly reduced in malignant glands. Conclusions: Inflammation of the prostate may act on prostate carcinomas; particularly that involving M2 macrophage infiltration may play a significant role in prostate carcinogenesis.
Zinc Coproporphyrin I Derived from Meconium Has an Antitumor Effect Associated with Singlet Oxygen Generation
Authors: Ozawa Hidechika , Asahina Toshihiko , Murakami Hirotake , Yaguchi Chidzuko , Kohmura Yasuhiro , Kohno Eiji , Hirano Toru , Horiuchi Kentaro , Tamura Naoaki , Sugihara Kazuhiro , Ooi Hidekazu , Kanayama Naohiro
Published: January 2013

Introduction: Zinc coproporphyrin I (ZnCP-I) is a photosensitive molecule and a major component of meconium. Here, we examined the effects of ZnCP-I as a potential photosensitizer in photodynamic therapy for tumors. Materials and Methods: (1) Aqueous ZnCP-I was irradiated with a pulsed YAG-SHG laser (wavelength: 532 nm)/YAG-SHG dye laser (wavelength: 566 nm). (2) HeLa cells were incubated in 200 mM ZnCP-I, and accumulation of ZnCP-I in HeLa cells was evaluated with ZnCP-I-specific fluorescence over 500 nm. (3) Aqueous ZnCP-I was administered intravenously to HeLa tumor-bearing mice at a dose of 10.2 mg/kg body weight. The tumors were irradiated with a filtered halogen lamp (wavelength: 580 nm) at 100 J/cm2 20 min after administration. Results: (1) An intense near-infrared emission spectrum was observed at around 1,270 nm after irradiation. The emission intensity was proportional to the laser power between 10 and 80 mW and was completely inhibited by addition of NaN3, a singlet oxygen scavenger. (2) ZnCP-I-specific fluorescence was detected in the HeLa cell cytoplasm. (3) Irradiated tumors treated with ZnCP-I were mostly necrotized. Conclusion: ZnCP-I accumulated in tumor cells, produced singlet oxygen upon irradiation, and necrotized the tumor cells. These results suggest that ZnCP-I may be an effective photosensitizer.
Reducing Serum Uric Acid Attenuates TGF-β1-Induced Profibrogenic Progression in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Kim Su-Mi , Choi Young-Wook , Seok Hwa-Young , Jeong Kyung-Hwan , Lee Sang-Ho , Lee Tae-Won , Ihm Chun-Gyoo , Lim Sung Jig , Moon Ju-Young
Published: January 2013

Background: The pivotal role of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced tubulointerstitial fibrosis in the progression of chronic kidney disease is an active topic of research. Recent evidence indicates that hyperuricemia is associated with increased TGF-β1 and progressive tubulointerstitial injury. We examined the hypothesis that lowering serum uric acid attenuates TGF-β1-induced profibrogenic tubular change in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Methods: KK-Ay/Ta mice, an animal model of type 2 diabetes, were provided access to either regular drinking water or drinking water containing 10 mg/dl of allopurinol. Normal rat kidney epithelial cells were cultured and stimulated with 5 mM uric acid with or without allopurinol. Results: Type 2 diabetic mice that received allopurinol exhibited smaller increases in urinary albumin:creatinine ratio than diabetic control mice, as well as attenuated TGF-β1 and Smad pathway-induced profibrogenic tubular changes in diabetic kidneys. Allopurinol attenuated TGF-β1-induced Smad pathway activation in tubular cells. These findings were related to increases in E-cadherin, and decreases in vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin. Uric acid-induced upregulation of TGF-β1 depends on mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling. Conclusions: This is the first study to demonstrate that reducing serum uric acid has preventive effects against to profibrogenic progression in type 2 diabetic kidney disease. These findings suggest that lowering serum uric acid may be an effective therapeutic intervention to prevent the progression of type 2 diabetic kidney disease.
Micropercutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Microperc) in a Two-Year-Old with the ‘All-Seeing Needle'
Authors: Kaynar Mehmet , Sümer Alpay , Şalvarcı Ahmet , Tekinarslan Erdem , Cenker Ali , Istanbulluoğlu Mustafa Okan
Published: January 2013

This paper presents the use of the single-step micropercutaneous nephrolithotomy (microperc) procedure for the treatment of a 13-mm renal stone using a 4.85-Fr ‘all-seeing needle' in a 2-year-old toddler. In the current literature to date, this is the youngest case. Moreover, the advantages and reliability of this technique in toddler renal stone treatment are also evaluated.
Comparison of Functional and Morphological Diagnostics in Glaucoma Patients and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Klamann M.K.J. , Grünert A. , Maier A.-K.B. , Gonnermann J. , Joussen A.M. , Huber K.K.
Published: January 2013

Purpose: To evaluate the diagnostic value of microperimetry (MP), blue-on-yellow perimetry (B/YP), confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph, HRT, III) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) in discriminating eyes with early glaucoma from healthy subjects. Material and Methods: Prospective examination of 22 eyes of subjects with early primary open-angle glaucoma and 24 eyes of healthy control subjects. After a complete ophthalmological examination, B/YP, MP, OCT and HRT III were determined. Morphological and functional parameters were analysed. Results: Mean sensitivity threshold values obtained with B/YP and MP did not show significant differences between glaucoma patients and the control group (p = 0.321 and p = 0.281). Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly decreased in patients with glaucoma with both HRT III and OCT (p = 0.018 and p < 0.001). Conclusions: While B/YP and MP had no ability to discriminate between subjects with early glaucoma and healthy subjects, RNFL thickness measured with HRT III and OCT showed a significant difference. In early primary open-angle glaucoma, morphological changes like RNFL thickness seem to occur prior to functional defects in the visual field.
Can Antibiotic Treatment in Preweaning Rats Alter Body Composition in Adulthood?
Authors: Morel Fanny B. , Oosting Annemarie , Piloquet Hugues , Oozeer Raish , Darmaun Dominique , Michel Catherine
Published: January 2013

Background: It is suggested that antibiotherapy in infancy might program adult body composition and thus could be a determinant of obesity risk. Although not convincingly substantiated by existing literature, this assumption is plausible since antibiotics affect intestinal microbiota, whose composition in adulthood is potentially programmable during infancy and which is able to interact with both fat development and central control of appetite. Objectives: In order to substantiate the link between antibiotherapy and programming of adult body composition, the present study investigated the impact of a course of amoxicillin treatment in neonatal period on subsequent growth and body composition in rats. Methods: Suckling rat pups were treated by oral gavage with an amoxicillin solution (150 mg·kg–1) or vehicle from postnatal day (PND)5 to PND15. All animals were fully weaned at PND21 then fed a standard diet until PND130. Animal growth and food intake were followed up until PND130, when body composition and plasma leptin were measured. Faecal microbiota was typified at regular intervals using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Results: Preweaning amoxicillin treatment affected the composition of the faecal microbiota of pups at PND21 but this impact did not sustain long beyond the antibiotic supplementation. Immediately after weaning, a transient increase in food intake (+11%) was noticed in amoxicillin-treated animals. However, no significant impact on either growth or body composition at adulthood was observed. Conclusions: In a neonatal animal model there is no evidence of a programming of adult body weight and composition by wide-spectrum antibiotic treatment in early life.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcome in the Acute Phase of Ischemic Locked-In Syndrome: Case Series of Twenty Patients with Ischemic LIS
Authors: Nikić Petar M. , Jovanović Dejana , Paspalj Dalibor , Georgievski-Brkić Biljana , Savić Milan
Published: January 2013

Background: Locked-in syndrome (LIS) is a condition characterized by quadriplegia and anarthria. The most common cause is a ventral pontine lesion due to atherosclerotic basilar artery disease. Methods: Cases with LIS were prospectively identified among the patients with acute ischemic stroke over 3 years, between 2009 and 2011. Clinical characteristics, topographic localization of lesions, and outcome were determined during the first 6 months from onset of LIS. Results: Our case series consists of 20 patients (mean age 62 ± 10 years; range 46–82). Initially 16 patients had a reduced level of consciousness (mean 3 days; range 1–15). Respiratory disturbance, mainly as impairment of the breathing pattern, was noted in all cases. Five patients died within the first 10 days due to stroke progression or cardiac arrest. In the remaining cases the most frequent causes of death were pulmonary infections and sepsis. Overall mortality in the acute phase of LIS is 75%, and the median survival time is 42 days. There was a statistically significant association between the more extensive parenchymal brain stem lesions and observed mortality. Conclusions: Ischemic LIS is commonly caused by an acute complete occlusion of the basilar artery due to atherosclerotic lesions in intracranial vertebrobasilar vessels. Mortality remains high in the acute phase of the disease.
Feasibility of a Multdisciplinary Lung Cancer Videoconference between a Peripheral Hospital and a Comprehensive Cancer Centre
Authors: Seeber A. , Mitterer M. , Gunsilius E. , Mazzoleni G. , Giovannetti R. , Farsad M. , Eisterer W. , Gastl G. , Pall G. , Wieser A. , Lukas P. , Wimmer M. , Spizzo G.
Published: January 2013

Objective: Treatment of lung cancer patients is changing rapidly and new treatment options have emerged in recent years. In 2007, to guarantee the best treatment procedure for lung cancer patients being treated in our peripheral hospital, we decided to introduce an interdisciplinary tumour videoconference between the Haemato-Oncological Day Hospital in Merano and the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Innsbruck. This retrospective analysis aims to describe the feasibility of such a conference. Patients and Methods: Two hundred and three patients with lung cancer treated at the peripheral hospital of Merano between May 2003 until May 2011 were retrospectively analysed. After introduction of the tumour videoconference in 2007, 54% (n = 110) of the patients in this cohort were discussed in the conference. Results: One hundred and four videoconferences were performed. Videoconference was feasible for 110 patients. Radiotherapeutic treatments were prescribed more frequently in patients from the conference group. Overall, major and minor treatment changes were undertaken in 7% (n = 8) and 18% (n = 20), respectively. Conclusion: Interdisciplinary tumour videoconference is feasible between a peripheral hospital and a comprehensive cancer centre. Radiotherapeutic treatment was prescribed more frequently, suggesting that such a conference facilitates the access to cancer-centre-specific treatment modalities. Accordingly, tumour videoconference between a peripheral hospital and a cancer centre is to be recommend.
Urinary Tract-Related Quality of Life after Radical Prostatectomy: Open Retropubic versus Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Approach
Authors: Froehner Michael , Koch Rainer , Leike Steffen , Novotny Vladimir , Twelker Lars , Wirth Manfred P.
Published: January 2013

Background: The best technique of radical prostatectomy – open retropubic versus robot-assisted surgery – is a subject of controversy. Patients and Methods: Between January 1st, 2007 and December 31st, 2011, 2,177 men underwent radical prostatectomy at our department. 252 (12%) cases were laparoscopic robot-assisted, the remainder open retropubic procedures. In Germany, certified prostate cancer centers are required to collect urinary tract-related outcome data after radical prostatectomy using the International Consultation of Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms. The questionnaire data were used to compare both surgical approaches concerning the urinary tract-related outcome 1, 2 and 3 years postoperatively. Results: Neither the voiding score nor the incontinence score or the bother scale sum differed between the two cohorts at any of the measurement times. Conclusions: Concerning continence recovery, in this series, there were no detectable differences between robot-assisted and open radical prostatectomy.
Desettling Expectations in Science Education
Authors: Bang Megan , Warren Beth , Rosebery Ann S. , Medin Douglas
Published: January 2013

Calls for the improvement of science education in the USA continue unabated, with particular concern for the quality of learning opportunities for students from historically nondominant communities. Despite many and varied efforts, the field continues to struggle to create robust, meaningful forms of science education. We argue that ‘settled expectations’ in schooling function to (a) restrict the content and form of science valued and communicated through science education and (b) locate students, particularly those from nondominant communities, in untenable epistemological positions that work against engagement in meaningful science learning. In this article we examine two episodes with the intention of reimagining the relationship between science learning, classroom teaching, and emerging understandings of grounding concepts in scientific fields – a process we call desettling. Building from the examples, we draw out some key ways in which desettling and reimagining core relations between nature and culture can shift possibilities in learning and development, particularly for nondominant students.
Content Learning and Identity Construction: A Framework to Strengthen African American Students’ Mathematics and Science Learning in Urban Elementary Schools
Authors: Varelas Maria , Martin Danny B. , Kane Justine M.
Published: January 2013

We present a theoretical framework that views learning as a process involving content learning (CL) and identity construction (IC). We view identities as lenses through which people make sense of, and position themselves, through stories and actions, and as lenses for understanding how they are positioned by others. As people become more (or less) central members of a disciplinary community (e.g., a science or mathematics classroom) and engage (or not) in various cultural practices, changes in identity and knowledge accompany changes in position and status. IC and CL share an important characteristic: they both involve meaning making. For IC, it is the development of reasoned, coordinated, coherent, and meaningful ways of seeing one’s self in relation to communities, and for CL, it centers on the development of disciplinary concepts, processes, tools, language, discourse, and norms within practices. Focusing on Black students in mathematics and science classrooms, we claim that three intersecting identities are particularly important: disciplinary identity (as doers of the discipline, i.e., mathematics and science), racial identity (emerging understandings of what it means to be Black), and academic identity (as participants in academic tasks and classroom practices). In this paper, we elaborate on the CLIC framework as a useful tool for understanding how Black students negotiate participation in, and come to see themselves as doers of science and mathematics in their school classrooms. We synthesize empirical findings from our research with younger and older students, as well as with parents and community members, to illustrate dimensions of this framework.