bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metamodernism: Narratives of Continuity and Revolution
Authors: James David , Seshagiri Urmila
Published: January 2014

The task for contemporary literature is to deal with the legacy of modernism.

—Tom McCarthy (2010)

A century separates us from an iconic moment of aesthetic metamorphosis: 1914 witnessed the appearance of James Joyce'sDubliners, Gertrude Stein'sTender Buttons, Mina Loy's “Parturition,” and the vorticist journalBlast.It was the year Dora Marsden and Harriet Shaw Weaver, aided by Ezra Pound, started the literary review theEgoistin London and Condé Nast and Frank Crowninshield launchedVanity Fairin New York. Arnold Schoenberg's atonal symphonic works assaulted classical sonorities; Wassily Kandinsky elevated the purity of geometric form above the functional work of visual representation. Most crucially, 1914 saw the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in Sarajevo and the subsequent outbreak of the First World War. Cutting a bloody, four-year swath across Europe, the war took almost forty million lives and rendered all subsequent formal innovation inseparable from cultural devastation: thus the intricate, ruptured literary architectures ofThe Waste Land(1922),Ulysses(1922), andTo the Lighthouse(1927).
Capacity design of embedded retaining structures
Authors: CALLISTO L.
Published: January 2014

An earth-retaining structure consists of structural elements that interact with a soil mass. The study of the soil–structure interaction becomes especially complex under seismic conditions, because the inertial forces reach a portion of soil that is already mobilising part of its strength to sustain the excavation: a suitable soil model would need to include, in addition to non-linearity and damping, the progressive mobilisation of the soil strength. However, for design purposes it may be unnecessary to predict the detailed dynamic behaviour of the system: it could be sufficient to endow the system with features that will ensure a desirable behaviour under a severe seismic event. In this paper, it is maintained that a desirable behaviour for cantilevered and singly propped retaining walls subjected to a severe earthquake is to mobilise a plastic mechanism deriving from the attainment of the strength in the volume of soil that directly interacts with the wall, while preserving the integrity of the structural members. Following this line of thought, it is shown that it is possible to use relatively simple pseudo-static tools, essentially based on the strength properties of the soil, to study the plastic mechanism associated with the desired behaviour, and to derive the internal forces that the structural elements are called to resist in order to ensure that the plastic mechanism will be maintained at its full strength during the seismic event. This approach is applied to a number of schematic retaining structures; results of full dynamic analyses of the soil–structure interaction are employed to validate the proposed approach and to evidence its limitations.
Enhanced Inducible Costimulator Ligand (ICOS-L) Expression on Dendritic Cells in Interleukin-10 Deficiency and Its Impact on T-Cell Subsets in Respiratory Tract Infection
Authors: Gao Xiaoling , Zhao Lei , Wang Shuhe , Yang Jie , Yang Xi
Published: January 2014

An association between inducible costimulator ligand (ICOS-L) expression and interleukin (IL)-10 production by dendritic cells (DCs) has been commonly found in infectious disease. DCs with higher ICOS-L expression and IL-10 production are reportedly more efficient in inducing regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here we use the Chlamydia muridarum(Cm) lung infection model in IL-10 knockout (KO) mice to test the relationship between IL-10 production and ICOS-L expression by DCs. We examined ICOS-L expression, the development of T-cell subsets, including Treg, Th17 and Th1 cell, in the background of IL-10 deficiency and its relationship with ICOS-L/ICOS signaling after infection. Surprisingly, we found that the IL-10 KO mice exhibited significantly higher ICOS-L expression by DCs. Moreover, IL-10 KO mice showed lower Tregs but higher Th17 and Th1 responses, but only the Th17 response depended on ICOS signaling. Consistently, most of the Th17 cells were ICOS+, whereas most of the Th1 cells were ICOS− in the infected mice. Furthermore, neutralization of IL-17 in IL-10 KO mice significantly exacerbated lung infection. The data suggest that ICOS-L expression on DC may be negatively regulated by IL-10 and that ICOS-L expression on DC in the presence or absence of IL-10 costimulation may promote Treg or Th17 response, without significant impact on Th1.
Emerging Role of High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) in Liver Diseases
Authors: Chen Ruochan , Hou Wen , Zhang Qiuhong , Kang Rui , Fan Xue-Gong , Tang Daolin
Published: January 2014

Damage-associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules are essential for the initiation of innate inflammatory responses to infection and injury. The prototypic DAMP molecule, high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), is an abundant architectural chromosomal protein that has location-specific biological functions: within the nucleus as a DNA chaperone, within the cytosol to sustain autophagy and outside the cell as a DAMP molecule. Recent research indicates that aberrant activation of HMGB1 signaling can promote the onset of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, raising interest in the development of therapeutic strategies to control their function. The importance of HMGB1 activation in various forms of liver disease in relation to liver damage, steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, tumorigenesis and regeneration is discussed in this review.
A Complete Model for the Evaluation of the Magnetic Stimulation of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Pisa Stefano , Apollonio Francesca , d'Inzeo Guglielmo
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a numerical procedure for the analysis of peripheral nerve excitation through magnetic stimulation is presented and used to investigate the physical parameters influencing stimulation. The finite difference technique is used to evaluate the electric field distribution induced inside an arm by the current flowing through a coil, and a nonlinear cable model is used to describe the response of the nerve fiber to the induced electric field. The comparison among several forearm structures has evidenced that the heterogeneous non dispersive forearm model is a good reference condition. With this model, the lowest charging voltage on the stimulator capacitance, able to produce the nerve stimulation, is achieved when the coil is shifted, with respect to the nerve, of a quantity slightly lower than the coil radius but it is also possible to excite the nerve fiber by applying a shift equal to zero. The charging voltage increases when the coil radius is increased and when a three-dimensional coil geometry is considered. Moreover, this voltage is strongly dependent on the nerve position inside the forearm and on the kind of tissue surrounding the nerve.
Use of Cantilever Mechanics for Impacted Teeth: Case Series
Authors: Paduano Sergio , Spagnuolo Gianrico , Franzese Gerardo , Pellegrino Gioacchino , Valletta Rosa , Cioffi Iacopo
Published: January 2014

This paper describes the orthodontic treatment, and the biomechanics of cantilevers for the impaction of permanent
teeth in youngs, adolescents, and adults. In these case series, multibracket straightwire fixed appliances, together
with cantilever mechanics, were used to treat the impaired occlusion.
Cervical HPV Infection in Female Sex Workers: A Global Perspective
Authors: Soohoo Melissa , Blas Magaly , Byraiah Gita , Carcamo Cesar , Brown Brandon
Published: January 2014

Introduction:

Approximately 291 million women worldwide are HPV DNA carriers. Studies have indicated that having multiple sexual partners may lead to higher HPV transmission. Thus female sex workers (FSWs) may be at greater risk of infection compared to the general population. Herein we review publications with data on FSW cervical HPV test results. We also examine variations of HPV prevalence and risk behaviors by region. Knowledge of prevalent HPV types in FSWs may lead to improved prevention measures and assist in understanding vaccination in high-risk groups.

Methods:

We conducted a review of the literature by searching PUBMED using the terms “prostitution” or “female sex workers”, “human papillomavirus” or “HPV”, and “prevalence” or “PCR” to find articles. We excluded studies without HPV testing or HPV type specific results, or unconventional HPV testing.

Results:

A total of 35 peer-reviewed publications were included in our review. High risk HPV types 16 and 18 ranged from 1.1-38.9‰ in prevalence. In addition to high-risk HPV types, newer studies reported non-carcinogenic HPV types also of high prevalence. The most prevalent HPV types reported among FSWs included HPV 6 (11.5%), 16 (38.9%), 18 (23.1%), 31 (28.4%), 52 (32.7%), and 58 (26.0%).

Conclusions:

Female sex workers have an overall high prevalence of HPV infection of high-risk types as evident through various testing methods. FSWs are thought to be at increased risk of cervical cancer because of high HPV exposure. This highlights the need for HPV and cervical prevention campaigns tailored to FSWs.
Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of four Parmeliaceae lichen species
Authors: Stojanovic Igor , Radulovic Niko , Cvetkovic Vladimir , Mitrovic Tatjana , Stamenkovic Slavisa
Published: January 2014

Antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts of four Parmeliaceae lichens
(Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl., Evernia prunastri (L.) Ach., Flavoparmelia
caperata (L.) Hale and Parmelia sulcata Taylor) against a panel of microbial
strains (11 Gram-positive (Enterococus sp., Bacillus subtilllis, Sarcina
lutea, Micrococus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium sporogenes) and
Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonela
enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae), the filamentous
fungus A. niger and the yeast C. albicans) was assayed using a disk diffusion
method (1 mg of the extract per disc; extracts were dissolved in methanol, 25
mg/mL). All tested extracts showed moderate antimicrobial activity.
Multivariate statistical treatment (agglomerative hierarchical clustering
analysis, AHC) of the obtained results allowed grouping of the samples
according to their antimicrobial potential against different strains:
antimicrobial profile of H. physodes and E. prunastri extracts were
comparable; the similar is true for F. caperata and P. sulcata samples. In
addition, based on the similarities/ dissimilarities in their susceptibility
toward the tested extracts, two groups of microorganisms could be
distinguished: Group I - P. vulgaris, K. pneumoniae (Gram-negative bacteria),
A. niger and C. albicans; Group II - E. coli, S. enteritidis, P. aeruginosa
(Gram-negative bacteria) and all of the assayed Gram-positive strains.
Influence of methyl and isopropyl N-methyl antranilates on carbon tetrachloride-induced changes in rat liver morphology and function
Authors: Radulovic Niko , Randjelovic Pavle , Stojanovic Nikola , Ilic Ivan , Miltojevic Ana
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to examine potential protective effects of
methyl N-methylanthranilate (M) and isopropyl N-methylanthranilate (I) in a
rat model of acute intoxication with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by tracking
the changes in liver morphology and function. Serum transaminase and
bilirubin were significantly elevated in animals treated with CCl4 alone. A
pretreatment with M and I prior to the administration of CCl4 significantly
prevented the increase of serum levels of liver damage markers.
Histopathological evaluation of the livers of the test animals also revealed
that M and I reduced the incidence of liver lesions. Our experiments showed
that both M and I possess protective effect in CCl4-induced liver damage in
rats. The results are of interest due to the presence of natural or synthetic
M in the human diet.
Analysis of the climate change in Slovenia: Changes in plant development under the influence of meteorological parameters in the period 1961-2011 - part II
Authors: Milosevic Dragan , Ziberna Igor , Savic Stevan
Published: January 2014

In this paper spring and autumn temperature thresholds of 5?C and 10?C,
active air temperature sums and lengths of growing seasons with temperature
threshold of 5?C and 10?C were analyzed. The analysis were made for 10
meteorological stations for the period 1961-2011. The dates of occurrence of
phenological phases of selected plants (oxeye daisy, beech, apple, winter
wheat and maize) has been investigated. It was observed a tendency of earlier
appearance of spring phenological phases and later appearance of autumn
phenological phases. As a result extension of vegetation periods in the
Republic of Slovenia is present. Dates with occurrence of phenological phases
of selected plants from 8 phenological stations were connected with the
results of the analysis of meteorological parameters from 8 meteorological
stations. The highest correlation coefficients were obtained for the
temperature parameters (0.8), while the average precipitation quantities,
number of days with frost, potential evapotranspiration and water balance
showed a low correlation coefficient values with the appearance of
phenological phases.
Marginal seal evaluation of self-etch flowable composite materials
Authors: Jankovic Ognjenka , Radman Kuzmanovic , Adamovic Tijana , Ilic Sanja , Djeri Aleksandra , Josipovic Renata
Published: January 2014

Introduction. The biggest drawback of composite materials is polymerization
contraction and the existence of microcracks, therefore the market is now
offering a wide variety of new composite materials. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the marginal seal using dye method of class V cavities restored
with self-etching flowable composite material Vertise Flow polymerized with
different light-curing techniques. Material and Methods. The study was
conducted on 60 extracted intact human teeth (30 premolars, 30 molars). Two
cavities Class V (3?2?2 mm) were prepared in all teeth. Cavities on buccal
surfaces were filled with self-etching flowable composite Vertise Flow (Kerr
Dental Products), and on lingual with flowable composite Tetric Flow (Ivoclar
Vivadent) using the corresponding adhesive systems. Polymerisation was
performed using Bluephase Led flashlight C8 (Ivoclar Vivadent). Microleakage
was tested using dye in a silver nitrate solution. Dye penetration was
measured using stereo loupes with micrometer scale and six times
magnification. Results. Linear dye penetration in intact molars restored
using the classical polymerization technique and Vertise Flow composite was
3.41 ?m while with Tetric Flow it was 4.23 ?m. In intact molars restored
using soft-start polymerization technique and Vertise Flow the dye
penetration was 1.25 ?m while for Tetric Flow it was 4.23 ?m. Mean dye
penetration in intact molars restored using pulse curing technique and
material Vertise Flow was 1.02 ?m while for the composite Tetric Flow it was
4.35 ?m. In intact premolars restored using conventional curing technique and
Vertise Flow dye penetration was 1.14 ?m while for Tetric Flow it was 3.90
?m. Dye penetration in intact premolars restored using soft-start
polymerization technique and Vertise Flow was 0.75 ?m while for Tetric Flow
it was 3.15 ?m. Using a pulse polymerization technique and Vertise Flow in
intact premolars dye penetration was 1.45 ?m while for Tetric Flow it was
3.76 ?m. Conclusion. Vertise Flow, self-etching flowable composite showed
better marginal seal than flowable composite resin Tetric Flow. Smaller
microcracks with Vertise Flow were confirmed after applying all three
light-curing polymerization techniques.
Preparation of Apatite-Wollastonite-Phlogopite glass-ceramic composites by powder sintering method
Authors: Faeghi-Nia A.
Published: January 2014

An Apatite-Wollastonite-Phlogopite glass-ceramic composite, was developed by
sintering and crystallization of the powdered glass. The non-isothermal and
isothermal sintering kinetics were studied for this glass-ceramic. Hot-stage
microscopy (HSM) measurements demonstrated that it is possible to sinter and
crystallize this glass-ceramic with 80% relative density. The activation
energy of sintering was analyzed using previously reported model of sintering
and it was obtained Q=193.83 KjmolK-1. Also it was shown that the
microstructure of sample is a function of particle size distribution.
Serbia 20 years after the Cairo conference: Is there any progress in the sphere of reproductive health?
Authors: Rasevic Mirjana
Published: January 2014

The term reproductive health was introduced at the International Conference
on Population and Development held under the auspices of the United Nations
in Cairo in 1994. A new conceptual approach was established in order to
secure a balance between micro and macro reproductive needs and goals, as
well as individual rights and responsibilities in the sphere of health,
partner relationship and parenthood. The Programme of Action resulted from it
and was adopted on the same occasion. What effects did the messages from
Cairo have on the state of reproductive health of the population in Serbia?
An analysis of the state and trends of the ten most important indicators in
this field indicate that expected breakthroughs have not been made. If any
were made, they have been registered in the last few years and mostly dealt
with the stabilization of values of certain indicators, but on unfavourable
level. The continuing decrease of AIDS death rate makes a real exception.
However, this does not lessens the significance, but confirms the relevance
and topicality of the Programme of Action, especially in Serbia.
New vitreous matrix for chromium waste immobilization
Authors: Lazău Ioan , Vancea Cosmin
Published: January 2014

Common waste glasses (window, bottle glass or tableware) with fly ash form a glass matrix for chromium waste immobilization. Soluble chromium from residual waters was adsorbed on fly ash; the resulting solid contained 23.7% Cr6+. The three glass wastes, chromium-containing fly ash, and borax were used to make glasses in weight ratios waste glass: borax: fly ash of 1: 1: 1 and 1.5: 0.5: 1. The hydrolytic stability ranged from 18.46 to 28.13 µg g−1 soluble Na2O, qualifying them in the HGB1 class. The chemical stability, characterized by the dissolution rate, was 0.011–0.077 µg cm−2 h−1, depending on the glass composition and the aggressive medium pH. The chromium leachability is influnced by the glass composition and the pH of the leaching solution, ranging between 0–0.015% of the total chromium. Chromium waste vitrification is a viabile solution with multiple economic advantages.
Depressive disorder and its mental comorbidity in patients attending psychiatry OPD at Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur
Authors: Belbase M , Khan TA , Jalan RK
Published: January 2014

Background: Depression is one of the commonest mental health problem and its association with suicide as the most common etiology makes it a ruthless killer of all the psychiatric problems we fight with. Identification and management of co-morbid condition is important from the epidemiological and management point of view. Aim of this paper is to study about depression and its psychiatric co-morbidity in the subjects visiting to psychiatric care centre of Nepalgunj medical college.   Methods: This was a descriptive study done in patients attending psychiatry OPD of Nepalgunj Medical College, Kohalpur, for six months, from the month of Baisakh to Ashwin 2069.   Results: Out of the total 266 subjects (n=266), the most common age group was 21-30 years 98 (36.84%), followed by 11-20 years 67 (25.19%). Female was the dominant gender in both the age groups representing 71 and 47 respectively. The most common co-morbid diagnosis in depression was dissociation 54 (44.26%) followed by headache (27.05%). Other co-morbid diagnosis were; suicidal attempt (5.74%), alcohol use (4.1%) and others (18.85%)   Conclusions: Depression is a common psychiatric entity with various psychiatric co-morbidities. The most common co-morbid diagnosis was dissociation, followed by headache.   DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v2i2.9720   J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol.2, No.2, 2013 18-21
Socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients attending a mental health camp: A study from Kanchanpur district of western Nepal
Authors: Khan TA , Belbase M
Published: January 2014

Background: Mental health is an ignored area of general health care system despite the magnitude of problem and financial burden on families and whole country. In our country, psychiatric services are out of reach to majority of population because of inadequate mental health professionals, lack of awareness and lack of proper mental health policy. This study is conducted with the objective to know socio-demographic and diagnostic profile of patients from a mental health check up camp conducted at Belauri, Kanchanpur district from far western region of Nepal. Material and Methods: This is a descriptive study, comprised of all consecutive participants i.e. 128 patients attending Maryknoll mental health check up camp at Belauri town of Kanchanpur district, Nepal. The Study was performed in March 2013. Socio-demographic data and clinical diagnosis based on International Classification of Disease- 10 diagnostic research criteria were collected and analyzed.   Results: Out of 128 subjects studied, highest number of participants (35.94%) belonged to age group 21- 30 yrs followed by age group 11-20 yrs (18.75%) and age group 31-40 yrs (16.40%). The most common psychiatric morbidity was found to be Neurotic, stress related & somatoform disorders (23.45%) followed by mood disorder in 24 (18.75%) patients and Headache (Migraine & Tension type) in 18 (14.07%) patients.   Conclusion: The commonest age group affected with mental illness is younger age groups and Neurotic, stress related & somatoform disorders are the most common psychiatric morbidity followed by mood disorders. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v2i2.9724   J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol.2, No.2, 2013 35-38
Mental Health, Mass Media and Stigma Reduction
Authors: Upadhyaya KD
Published: January 2014

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpan.v2i2.9730 J Psychiatrists’ Association of Nepal Vol.2, No.2, 2013 52-53
In Memory of Edward Said – The Bulletproof Intellectual
Authors: Shohat Ella
Published: January 2014

This plenary presentation eulogizes Edward Said and speaks to his courage, passion, and scholarship, while simultaneously acknowledging his discomfort with the problematic category of “great men.” Shohat traces Said’s early scholarship, the vitriolic backlash against his words, and the way his work consolidated what would, a decade later, become the fields of postcolonial studies and cultural studies. Shohat’s presentation then delves into the circulation and reception of his critique of Orientalism as an example of “traveling theory.” In Middle East studies, Said has been criticized as a deficient political scientist or historian or anthropologist, with critics ignoring the central concern of his work: the problem of representation and the necessity of a political critique that is also a cultural critique. In postcolonial studies in Israel, a certain post-Zionist discourse privileged Homi Bhabha’s theories of hybridity, which were translated into Hebrew, over Said’s not-yet-translated and allegedly binaristic notions of coloniality. In the final moments of the presentation, Shohat reflects on her friendship with Edward Said, remembering his courage in the face of consistent attacks and his willingness to inhabit the ever-uncomfortable space of the worldly yet “out-of-place” intellectual.
Edward Said on Music: Always Comparative, Always Contrapuntal
Authors: Hutcheon Linda
Published: January 2014

Just as the range of Edward Said’s literary, political, and theoretical writings was expanded through references to music, so too his reviews of performances and his essays on music were deeply influenced by his passion for both literature and politics. Ever the comparatist, he sought parallels and analogies between the arts but also between art and life. Indeed, it was his love for the music of Bach and the playing of Glenn Gould that inspired his theory of “contrapuntal” analysis as a way to move beyond insularity and provincialism in criticism.
Postcard Poem, Ekphrastic Delusion: On Margaret Atwood’s Poem “Postcard”
Authors: Bram Shahar
Published: January 2014

In her poem “Postcard,” Margaret Atwood chooses postcards and tourism as an entry point to examine relationships, the loss of a loved one, and the fading of memory. The poem exploits the unique format of the postcard and sophisticatedly uses the delusion typical of the ekphrastic tradition, which constructs an object that lacks ontological reality but is impressively present in the imagination of the reader. The poem, we find, grew because of the impossibility of restoring the face of the beloved figure; it is a poem about failure, about the limitations of the verbal medium when confronting the collapse of visual memory. Is the mechanism of personal relationships equivalent to the industry of tourism? In what way does the mental picturesque reproductions of the beloved we store in our memory resemble commercial postcards?
Legacies: Intention and Method
Authors: Viswanathan Gauri
Published: January 2014

My essay begins with a probing of the continuities between Beginnings and Orientalism in an effort to understand, simultaneously, Said’s location of the intellectual and artistic legacies of Orientalism and the legacies of his own intellectual work. Legacies are related to beginnings in an obvious way: if beginnings signal the moment of production – the inauguration of a period, an episteme, or a discipline – legacies prolong that moment into the indefinite future. A field takes shape through the generative energy that propels the forward movement of ideas. Yet Said, always conscious of disciplinary knowledge systems that induced guild thinking, did not see himself as leaving legacies or founding schools of thought. If he had a method at all, it was one that refused methods, inducing dissent and skepticism in place of affirmations. He was far less interested in fields of study that critiqued Orientalism as a symptom of Western pathology than in those that analyzed the Gramscian “inventory of traces” left by Orientalism on works of the imagination. Said’s aesthetic pleasure intensified his resistance to systematized thinking, and it gave rise to his use of words like “hedonism” and “secularism” to describe a form of oppositional thinking that had creative sources.
Efficacy of local polymer-based and systemic delivery of the anti-glutamatergic agents riluzole and memantine in rat glioma models
Authors: Yohay Kaleb , Tyler Betty , Weaver Kyle D. , Pardo Andrea C. , Gincel Dan , Blakeley Jaishri , Brem Henry , Rothstein Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2014

Object

The poor outcome of malignant gliomas is largely due to local invasiveness. Previous studies suggest that gliomas secrete excess glutamate and destroy surrounding normal peritumoral brain by means of excitotoxic mechanisms. In this study the authors assessed the effect on survival of 2 glutamate modulators (riluzole and memantine) in rodent glioma models.

Methods

In an in vitro growth inhibition assay, F98 and 9L cells were exposed to riluzole and memantine. Mouse cerebellar organotypic cultures were implanted with F98 glioma cells and treated with radiation, radiation + riluzole, or vehicle and assessed for tumor growth. Safety and tolerability of intracranially implanted riluzole and memantine CPP:SA polymers were tested in F344 rats. The efficacy of these drugs was tested against the 9L model and riluzole was further tested with and without radiation therapy (RT).

Results

In vitro assays showed effective growth inhibition of both drugs on F98 and 9L cell lines. F98 organotypic cultures showed reduced growth of tumors treated with radiation and riluzole in comparison with untreated cultures or cultures treated with radiation or riluzole alone. Three separate efficacy experiments all showed that localized delivery of riluzole or memantine is efficacious against the 9L gliosarcoma tumor in vivo. Systemic riluzole monotherapy was ineffective; however, riluzole given with RT resulted in improved survival.

Conclusions

Riluzole and memantine can be safely and effectively delivered intracranially via polymer in rat glioma models. Both drugs demonstrate efficacy against the 9L gliosarcoma and F98 glioma in vitro and in vivo. Although systemic riluzole proved ineffective in increasing survival, riluzole acted synergistically with radiation and increased survival compared with RT or riluzole alone.
Increased risk of acute kidney injury associated with higher infusion rate of mannitol in patients with intracranial hemorrhage
Authors: Kim Min Young , Park Ji Hyeon , Kang Na Ree , Jang Hye Ryoun , Lee Jung Eun , Huh Wooseong , Kim Yoon-Goo , Kim Dae Joong , Hong Seung-Chyul , Kim Jong-Soo , Oh Ha Young
Published: January 2014

Object

Mannitol, an osmotic agent used to decrease intracranial pressure, can cause acute kidney injury (AKI). The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of mannitol on the incidence and severity of AKI and to identify risk factors and outcome for AKI in patients with intracranial hemorrhage (ICH).

Methods

The authors retrospectively evaluated 153 adult patients who received mannitol infusion after ICH between January 2005 and December 2009 in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate the risk factors for AKI after ICH. Based on the odds ratio, weighted scores were assigned to predictors of AKI.

Results

The overall incidence of AKI among study participants was 10.5% (n = 16). Acute kidney injury occurred more frequently in patients who received mannitol infusion at a rate ≥ 1.34 g/kg/day than it did in patients who received mannitol infusion at a rate < 1.34 g/kg/day. A higher mannitol infusion rate was associated with more severe AKI. Independent risk factors for AKI were mannitol infusion rate ≥ 1.34 g/kg/day, age ≥ 70 years, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 110 mm Hg, and glomerular filtration rate < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. The authors developed a risk model for AKI, wherein patients with a higher risk score showed a graded association with a higher incidence of AKI.

Conclusions

The incidence of AKI following mannitol infusion in patients with ICH was 10.5%. A higher mannitol infusion rate was associated with more frequent and more severe AKI. Additionally, age ≥ 70 years, DBP ≥ 110 mm Hg, and established renal dysfunction before starting mannitol therapy were associated with development of AKI.
Intraoperative phosphorus-32 brachytherapy plaque for multiply recurrent high-risk epidural neuroblastoma
Authors: Tong William Y. , Folkert Michael R. , Greenfield Jeffrey P. , Yamada Yoshiya , Wolden Suzanne L.
Published: January 2014

Achieving local control is a crucial component in the management of neuroblastoma, but this may be complicated in the setting of prior radiation treatment, especially when the therapeutic target is in proximity to critical structures such as the spinal cord. The authors describe a pediatric patient with multiply recurrent neuroblastoma and prior high-dose radiation therapy to the spine who presented with progressive epidural disease. The patient was managed with resection and intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy using a phosphorus-32 (32P) plaque previously developed for the treatment of brain and spine lesions.
Gageostatins A–C, Antimicrobial Linear Lipopeptides from a Marine Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Tareq Fakir , Lee Min , Lee Hyi-Seung , Lee Jong-Seok , Lee Yeon-Ju , Shin Hee
Published: January 2014

Concerning the requirements of effective drug candidates to combat against high rising multidrug resistant pathogens, we isolated three new linear lipopeptides, gageostatins A–C (1–3), consisting of hepta-peptides and new 3-β-hydroxy fatty acids from the fermentation broth of a marine-derived bacterium Bacillus subtilis. Their structures were elucidated by analyzing a combination of extensive 1D, 2D NMR spectroscopic data and high resolution ESIMS data. Fatty acids, namely 3-β-hydroxy-11-methyltridecanoic and 3-β-hydroxy-9,11-dimethyltridecanoic acids were characterized in lipopeptides 1 and 2, respectively, whereas an unsaturated fatty acid (E)-7,9-dimethylundec-2-enoic acid was assigned in 3. The 3R configuration of the stereocenter of 3-β-hydroxy fatty acids in 1 and 2 was established by Mosher’s MTPA method. The absolute stereochemistry of amino acid residues in 1–3 was ascertained by acid hydrolysis followed by Marfey’s derivatization studies. Gageostatins 1–3 exhibited good antifungal activities with MICs values of 4–32 µg/mL when tested against pathogenic fungi (R. solani, B. cinerea and C. acutatum) and moderate antibacterial activity against bacteria (B. subtilis, S. aeureus, S. typhi and P. aeruginosa) with MICs values of 8–64 µg/mL. Futhermore, gageostatins 1–3 displayed cytotoxicity against six human cancer cell lines with GI50 values of 4.6–19.6 µg/mL. It is also noteworthy that mixed compounds 1+2 displayed better antifungal and cytotoxic activities than individuals.
Long-Term Single-Dose Efficacy of a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus-Based Andes Virus Vaccine in Syrian Hamsters
Authors: Prescott Joseph , DeBuysscher Blair , Brown Kyle , Feldmann Heinz
Published: January 2014

Andes virus (ANDV) is highly pathogenic in humans and is the primary etiologic agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in South America. Case-fatality rates are as high as 50% and there are no approved vaccines or specific therapies for infection. Our laboratory has recently developed a replication-competent recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV)-based vaccine that expressed the glycoproteins of Andes virus in place of the native VSV glycoprotein (G). This vaccine is highly efficacious in the Syrian hamster model of HCPS when given 28 days before challenge with ANDV, or when given around the time of challenge (peri-exposure), and even protects when administered post-exposure. Herein, we sought to test the durability of the immune response to a single dose of this vaccine in Syrian hamsters. This vaccine was efficacious in hamsters challenged intranasally with ANDV 6 months after vaccination (p = 0.025), but animals were not significantly protected following 1 year of vaccination (p = 0.090). The decrease in protection correlated with a reduction of measurable neutralizing antibody responses, and suggests that a more robust vaccination schedule might be required to provide long-term immunity.
Immunological Shielding by Induced Recruitment of Regulatory T-Lymphocytes Delays Rejection of Islets Transplanted in Muscle
Authors: Vågesjö Evelina , Christoffersson Gustaf , Waldén Tomas B. , Carlsson Per-Ola , Essand Magnus , Korsgren Olle , Phillipson Mia
Published: January 2014

The only clinically available curative treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus is replacement of the pancreatic islets by allogeneic transplantation, which requires immunosuppressive therapies. Regimens used today are associated with serious adverse effects and impaired islet engraftment and function. The aim of the current study was to induce local immune privilege by accumulating immune-suppressive regulatory T-lymphocytes (Tregs) at the site of intramuscular islet transplantation to reduce the need of immunosuppressive therapy during engraftment. Islets were cotransplanted with a plasmid encoding the chemokine CCL22 into the muscle of MHC-mismatched mice, after which pCCL22 expression and leukocyte recruitment were studied in parallel with graft functionality. Myocyte pCCL22 expression and secretion resulted in local accumulation of Tregs. When islets were cotransplanted with pCCL22, significantly fewer effector T-lymphocytes were observed in close proximity to the islets, leading to delayed graft rejection. As a result, diabetic recipients cotransplanted with islets and pCCL22 intramuscularly became normoglycemic for 10 consecutive days, while grafts cotransplanted with control plasmid were rejected immediately, leaving recipients severely hyperglycemic. Here we propose a simple method to initially shield MHC-mismatched islets by the recruitment of endogenous Tregs during engraftment in order to improve early islet survival. Using this approach, the very high doses of systemic immunosuppression used initially following transplantation can thereby be avoided.
The role of oxygen and water on molybdenum nanoclusters for electro catalytic ammonia production
Authors: Howalt Jakob G , Vegge Tejs
Published: January 2014

The presence of water often gives rise to oxygen adsorption on catalyst surfaces through decomposition of water and the adsorbed oxygen or hydroxide species often occupy important surfaces sites, resulting in a decrease or a total hindrance of other chemical reactions taking place at that site. In this study, we present theoretical investigations of the influence of oxygen adsorption and reduction on pure and nitrogen covered molybdenum nanocluster electro catalysts for electrochemical reduction of N2 to NH3 with the purpose of understanding oxygen and water poisoning of the catalyst. Density functional theory calculations are used in combination with the computational hydrogen electrode approach to calculate the free energy profile for electrochemical protonation of O and N2 species on cuboctahedral Mo13 nanoclusters. The calculations show that the molybdenum nanocluster will preferentially bind oxygen over nitrogen and hydrogen at neutral bias, but under electrochemical reaction conditions needed for nitrogen reduction, oxygen adsorption is severely weakened and the adsorption energy is comparable to hydrogen and nitrogen adsorption. The potentials required to reduce oxygen off the surface are −0.72 V or lower for all oxygen coverages studied, and it is thus possible to (re)activate (partially) oxidized nanoclusters for electrochemical ammonia production, e.g., using a dry proton conductor or an aqueous electrolyte. At lower oxygen coverages, nitrogen molecules can adsorb to the surface and electrochemical ammonia production via the associative mechanism is possible at potentials as low as −0.45 V to −0.7 V.
La parité dans l'entreprise, un enjeu économique et non un phénomène sociétal
Authors: Monsellato Gianmarco
Published: January 2014

Si les femmes représentent 52 % de la population française, et 51,9 % de la population active, elles restent marginales dans les hautes fonctions de l’entreprise, en France comme dans de nombreux pays étrangers. Ayant constaté que dans le secteur juridique, plus de la moitié des jeunes diplômés sortant des facultés de droit sont des femmes, il nous était impossible chez Taj de nous priver de ce vivier de compétences. À ce titre, nous considérons que la parité n’est pas un objectif utopique mais une urgence économique. Le plafond de verre, premier frein à la parité dans l’entreprise, ne peut être traité par les femmes exclusivement mais doit être porté par les décideurs au rang des priorités stratégiques de l’entreprise.
Factors associated with patients’ understanding of their management plan in Tshwane clinics
Authors: Fernandez Leticia , Rossouw Theresa , Marcus Tessa , Reinbrech-Schutte Angelika , Smit Nicoleen , Kinkel Hans F. , Memon Shehla , Hugo Jannie
Published: January 2014

Background: This research focused on patients’ views regarding healthcare services and identified factors associated with understanding of their management plan.Aim: To develop a baseline for patient–clinician collaboration and the extent to which patients felt included and understood their treatment plan.Setting: Tshwane district (South Africa) public health outpatient clinics.Method: Medical students interviewed 447 patients in 22 clinics in Tshwane district. Agreement was measured by the percentage of cases in which patients and clinicians were in accord about a particular aspect of the consultation.Results: About one-third of patients incorrectly answered questions on whether changes in lifestyle or diet were prescribed as part of their treatment. The likelihood that patients understood their plan was associated with seeing the same clinician three or more times;having a consultation in their same or a similar language; patient participation in the diagnosis;and feeling that the clinician had explained their health problems to them.Conclusions: There is need for greater emphasis on continuity of care, the clinicians’ ability to speak the patient’s language and involving patients in the consultation.
Insights into functional tea infused-chitosan hydrogels as potential bio-active restorative materials
Authors: Perchyonok Tamara V. , Zhang Shengmiao , Grobler Sias , Oberholzer Theunis , Massey Ward
Published: January 2014

Introduction: We described novel chitosan hydrogels (chitosan-H) containing tea infusions (green, red and black) as functional additive prototypes with special focus on the design and functionality of dual action composite restorative materials. Their intended uses include remineralizing bases/liners, therapeutically active restorative materials and/or functional additives as well as functional prototype of the drug delivery system. Materials and Methods: The above mentioned hydrogels were prepared by dispersion of the corresponding component in glycerol and acetic acid with the addition of chitosan gelling agent. The surface morphology scanning electron microscope (SEM), release behavior (physiological pH as well as acidic conditions), stability of the hydrogels as well as antioxidant capacity of the tea infused hydrogels was evaluated. Results: It was found that all the anti-oxidant chitosan-H hydrogels treated dentine gave significantly (P < 0.05; Non-parametric ANOVA test) higher shear bond strength values than dentine treated or not treated with phosphoric acid. Overall, there was a small relapse in the shear bond strength after 6 months. The SEM is employed to observe the surface of the newly made functional restorative materials. The anti-oxidant capacity of various black, red and green tea infusions was investigated and demonstrated increased antioxidant stability of the newly prepared material stability. Conclusion: We have developed and evaluated several functional chitosan hydrogels with several targets as therapeutic restorative materials, the added benefits of their unique functionality involve increased dentin adhesive bond strengths (after 24 h and after 6 month), concept of using functional materials as carriers for pro-drugs as well as display certain degree of defense mechanism for a free radical damage.
Insights into and relative effect of chitosan-krill oil, chitosan-H-aspirin, chitosan-H-krill oil-nystatin and chitosan-H-krill oil-aspirin-nystatin on dentin bond strength and functional drug delivery capacity: In-vitro studies
Authors: Perchyonok Victoria Tamara , Zhang Shengmiao , Grobler Sias R. , Oberholzer Theunis G. , Massey Ward
Published: January 2014

Background: Restorative materials in the new era aim to be “bio-active” and long-lasting. The purpose of this study was to design and to evaluate a novel chitosan hydrogels containing krill oil (antioxidant containing material), nystatin (antifungal), aspirin (pain relieve medication and free radical scavengers) and combinations thereof (chitosan-H-krill oil, chitosan-H-krill oil-nystatin and chitosan-H-aspirin, chitosan-H-aspirin-nystatin, chitosan-H-krill oil-aspirin and chitosan-H-krill oil-aspirin-nystatin) as functional additive prototypes for further development of “dual function restorative materials,” and secondly to determine their effect on the dentin bond strength of a composite. Materials and Methods: The above-mentioned hydrogels were prepared by dispersion the corresponding component in glycerol and acetic acid with the addition of chitosan gelling agent. The surface morphology (scanning electron microscope (SEM)), release behaviors (physiological pH and also in acidic conditions), stability of the therapeutic agent-antioxidant-chitosan and the effect of the hydrogels on the shear bond strength of dentin were also evaluated. Results: The release of nystatin and aspirin confer the added benefit of synergistic action of a functional therapeutic delivery when comparing the newly designed chitosan-based hydrogel restorative materials to the commercially available products alone. Neither the release of nystatin and aspirin nor the antioxidant stability was affected by storage over a 6 month period. The hydrogel formulations have a uniform distribution of drug content, homogenous texture and yellow color (SEM study). All chitosan dentin treated hydrogels gave significantly (P<0.05; non-parametric ANOVA test) higher shear bond values (P<0.05) than dentin treated or not treated with phosphoric acid. Conclusion: The added benefits of the chitosan treated hydrogels involved positive influence on the nystatin and aspirin release as well as increased dentin bond strength.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in the Treatment of Primary Pterygium: A Comparative Study of Two Techniques
Authors: Bansal Reema , Jain Arun , Sehgal R
Published: January 2014

Purpose

To compare two techniques of human amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) following pterygium excision: (1) end to end suturing of the amniotic membrane graft (AMG) with the conjunctiva versus (2) a new technique of purse-string suturing of the AMG and tucking of AMG under the free edge of conjunctiva.

Materials and methods

Pterygium surgery with human AMT was done in 42 eyes with primary pterygium. Twenty four eyes (group A) underwent end-to-end suturing of AMG with conjunctiva. Eighteen eyes (group B) underwent purse-string suturing of AMG with underlying sclera with free edge of AMG tucked under conjunctiva on three sides. The two groups were compared in terms of the outcome measures, i.e. complete epithelialization time of AMG and recurrence of pterygium within 1 year.

Results

The complete epithelialization of AMG occurred in 21 days (range 14 to 28 days) and 14 days (range 7 to 21 days) in groups A and B respectively. In group A, 7 eyes (29.17%) developed recurrence. In group B, 2 eyes (11.11%) developed recurrence.

Conclusion

Purse string suturing and tucking of AMG resulted in faster epithelization of AMG and lower recurrences in comparison with end to end suturing of AMG in the management of primary pterygium.

How to cite this article

Bansal R, Jain AK, Sehgal R. Amniotic Membrane Transplantation in the Treatment of Primary Pterygium: A Comparative Study of Two Techniques. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):1-7.
Implant-related Metal Hypersensitivity—A Cause for Concern: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review
Authors: Garg Bhavuk , Dhillon Mandeep , Kumar Vishal , Kanojia Rajendra
Published: January 2014

The evolution of orthopedic implants has witnessed a great evolution and allowed insights into the various metals and alloys compatible with the human body. However, some recent reports have raised concerns regarding hypersensitivity to several metals used in orthopedic implants. These cases are mostly documented in the field of arthroplasty.

Metal ion release following hip or knee arthroplasty is a known phenomenon and associated immune reactions to these metal ions have been implicated in the causation of these hypersensitivity reactions. These reactions frequently lead to poor outcome following these implant surgeries. We here present two rare cases of metal induced hypersensitivity reactions following orthopedic surgeries. We have also reviewed the literature in this context to look into the various causes of metal reactions, types of implant involved in hypersensitivity, methods of testing and management options in these cases.

How to cite this article

Kanojia R, Kumar V, Garg B, Dhillon MS. Implant-related Metal Hypersensitivity—A Cause for Concern: A Report of Two Cases and Literature Review. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2014;48(1):37-39.