bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dubin-Johnson-like Syndrome in Golden Lion Tamarins (Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia)
Authors: Schulman F. Y. , Montali R. J. , Bush M. , Citino S. B. , Tell L. A. , Ballou J. D. , Hutson T. L. , Pierre M. St. , Dufour J. F. , Gatmaitan Z. , Johnson F. B. , Arias I. M.
Published: March 2010

On routine blood screens, persistent conjugated hyperbilirubinemia was discovered in two groups of closely related adult female golden lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus rosalia rosalia, n = 8). Bromosulfophthalein (BSP) retention tests were performed on four hyperbilirubinemic and three control tamarins. BSP excretion was delayed in hyperbilirubinemic tamarins as compared with controls. Grossly, liver of affected tamarins was dark brown to black, with a prominent reticulated pattern. Histologic examination revealed abundant intrahepatic pigment, primarily in a centrilobular and midzonal distribution. Most of the pigment did not react with Perls' Prussian blue method for iron. Hall's method for bilirubin, or the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology acid-fast method for lipofuscin but was positive with Fontana and lipofuscin-ferric ferricyanide reduction techniques. Liver from control golden lion tamarins had intrahepatocellular Perls' iron-positive pigment diffusely throughout the lobule with a small amount of Fontana method-positive pigment. Ultrastructurally, hepatocytes from a hyperbilirubinemic tamarin contained pleomorphic electron-dense structures within lysosomes. Transport studies demonstrated secretion of fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled glycocholic acid, a fluorescent bile acid analog, into bile canaliculi and no secretion of carboxydichlorofluorescein diacetate, a non-bile acid organic anion, by liver from a hyperbilirubinemic tamarin. In contrast, control liver secreted carboxydichlorofluorescein diacetate readily into bile canaliculi. The clinicopathologic presentation of this syndrome in golden lion tamarins is similar to that described for Dubin-Johnson syndrome of human beings.
Pathomorphologc Findings of Lead Poisoning in White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons)
Authors: Ochiai K. , Jin K. , Goryo M. , Tsuzuki T. , Itakura C.
Published: March 2010

Nineteen lead-poisoned white-fronted geese ( Anser albifrons), including nine immature birds, were examined pathologically. Subacute lead poisoning due to ingestion of spent lead shots was diagnosed pathologically and confirmed by demonstrating high lead concentration in the liver. The liver lead concentration ranged from 6.9 to 67.7 mg/kg wet weight. The most suggestive gross lesions were mottled bile-stained liver in eight geese and proventricular impaction and/or the presence of lead pellets in the gizzard. Histologic lesions of the liver consisted of Kupffer cell hemosiderosis, large bile plugs in dilated canaliculi, bile pigmentation in hepatocytes, and bile extravasation and associated hepatic necrosis. Seven geese of the remaining 11 birds also had hepatic necrosis in the liver, the greenish discoloration of which was obscure macroscopically. The liver discoloration was considered a jaundice due to both rapid overproduction of bile from increased breakdown of erythrocytes and intrahepatic impaired excretion of bile. The severity of lesions was not correlated to the liver lead concentrations. All examined geese had hemosiderosis of mononuclear phagocytic system cells in the spleen and hypoplasia or edema of the bone marrow with increased numbers of polychromatic erythroblasts. These prominent changes probably resulted from excess breakdown of erythrocytes, hypercholia followed by intrahepatic cholestasis, and disrupted crythropoiesis in bone marrow caused by lead.
Multicentric Squamous Cell Carcinoma in situ Resembling Bowen's Disease in Cats
Authors: Baer K. E. , Helton K.
Published: March 2010

Multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ was studied in 12 cats (eight castrated males and four spayed females). The neoplasms occurred in middle-aged to old (mean age = 12 years) mixed-breed cats with a variety of hair-coat colors. The lesions were found in haired pigmented regions of the skin, including the trunk, limbs, feet, head, and neck, and were unrelated to exposure to sunlight. Lesions occurred at multiple sites in nine cats and at solitary sites in three cats and were from 0.5 cm to 3.0 cm in diameter, irregular, slightly, elevated, plaque-like or papillated, and partially alopecic. Histologically, the lesions consisted of sharply demarcated regions of necoplastic, keratinocytic infiltration of the epidermal and follicular infundibular epithelium. Neoplastic cells were confined to the epithelium without frank invasion of the dermis. Two histologic subclasses of multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ were identified, the irregular nonhyperkeratotic type and the verrucous hyperkeratotic type. Three cats also had invasive squamous cell carcinoma adjacent to lesions characteristic of multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ. Grossly, these were solitary 2.0–4.0 cm-diameter firm, crusted, crateriform cutancous masses. During follow-up periods of 4 to 20 months (mean follow-up period = 11 months), neoplasms did not recur locally after surgical excision; however, similar lesions developed at new sites in four cats. None of the cats had evidence of metastases. Multicentric squamous cell carcinoma in situ in cats is a biologically premalignant neoplasm histologically similar to Bowen's disease in human beings.
Expression of Mononuclear Phagocyte Antigens in Histiocytic Sarcoma of Mice
Authors: Ward J. M. , Sheldon W.
Published: March 2010

Twenty cases of histiocytic sarcoma in 15 female and five male (384 to 722 days of age) hybrid F1(C57BL/6 x BALB/c) or F2(F1 x F1) mice were studied for expression of mononuclear phagocyte and other antigens. Histiocytic sarcomas were found most often in liver, uterus, spleen, and lung. Tissues fixed in Bouin's fluid provided preservation of antigen immunoreactivity, using avidin biotin peroxidase complex immunohisto-chemistry, with monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. The mononuclear phagocyte antigens, lysozyme and Mac-2 (a galactose-specific lectin that binds IgE), were found in 60-70% of the cases. The receptor for the macrophage colony-stimulating factor (CSF-1), c-fms, was expressed in 2/20 (10%) of the cases. Mouse immunoglobulins were not found in histiocytic sarcoma cells. In uterine histiocytic sarcomas, previously reported as Schwannomas because of their histologic appearance, S-100 protein was not expressed by tumor cells, although they usually expressed Mac-2 and lysozyme. Hyaline droplets were found in the renal tubules of only 2/19 cases. Our studies provide evidence that murine histiocytic sarcoma expresses antigens (Mac-2, lysozyme, c-fms) found in cells of the mononuclear phagocyte series, in contrast to the B-cell origin of many human histiocytic tumors.
Systemic Adenovirus Infection Associated with High Mortality in Mule Deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in California
Authors: Woods L. W. , Swift P. K. , Barr B. C. , Horzinek M. C. , Nordhausen R. W. , Stillian M. H. , Patton J. F. , Oliver M. N. , Jones K. R. , MacLachlan N. J.
Published: March 2010

Seventeen counties in northern California experienced epizootics of high mortality in the mule deer ( Odocoileus hemionus) population during the latter half of 1993. Thirteen deer submitted to the California Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory System as part of this natural die-off had systemic adenovirus infection. Pulmonary edema was present in all 13 deer. Erosions, ulceration, and abscessation of the upper alimentary tract occurred in 7/13 deer. Four of 13 deer had hemorrhagic enteritis. All 13 deer had widespread systemic vasculitis with endothelial intranuclear inclusions. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled antibody directed against bovine adenovirus type 5 bound to antigen in endothelial cells. Adenovirus was identified by transmission electron microscopy within the nuclei of endothelial cells in 6/6 deer examined. An adenovirus was isolated from lung homogenates of one deer that were cultured on black-tailed deer pulmonary artery endothelial cells. With the exception of the intranuclear inclusions evident on histologic evaluation, gross and histologic changes were similar to those described for bluetongue virus infection and epizootic hemorrhagic disease virus infection in white-tailed deer. Nine additional deer were emaciated and had pharyngeal abscesses with focal vasculitis, which may represent the chronic affects of previous nonfatal adenovirus infection.
Spontaneous Pulmonary Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an Aging CD Rat
Authors: Chen H. C. , Liang C. T. , Hong C. C. , Huang Y. J. , Pan I. J.
Published: March 2010

Naturally occurring squamous cell carcinomas of lung of laboratory rodents are rare, and few cases have been reported and illustrated. A solid peripheral lung mass was observed grossly in a untreated 573-day-old male Sprague Dawley CD (Crl: CD® [SD] BR) rat. Microscopically, the mass was composed of neoplastic squamous epithelial cells arranged in nests, cords, nodules, or solid sheets. Epithelial pearls were present. The mitotic index was high, and intercellular bridging (prickles) was noted. In some areas, neoplastic cells rimmed large cystic areas containing neutrophils, cell debris, and laminated keratin masses. Neoplastic cells had both expansive and invasive growth with entrapment of bronchioles and marked fibroplasia.
Eosinophilic Colitis and Hepatitis in a Horse with Colonic Intramucosal Ciliated Protozoa
Authors: French R. A. , Meier W. A. , Zachary J. F.
Published: March 2010

Tissues from a 9-year-old American Standardbred gelding with a history of anorexia, mild colic, and unexpected death were submitted to the Laboratories of Veterinary Diagnostic Medicine at the University of Illinois for histopathologic examination. Microscopic diagnoses were severe subacute, diffuse eosinophilic colitis with intralesional protozoa and a subacute to chronic eosinophilic portal hepatitis with granuloma formation. Two tissue-invading, ciliated protozoa were identified in large numbers within the colonic mucosa. The ciliates were Polymorphella ampulla and Cycloposthium sp., Phylum: Ciliophora. The eosinophilic colitis and portal hepatitis in association with the overpopulation and invasion by the ciliated protozoa suggests a causal etiology.
Visceral Mycosis in Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tschawytscha) Due to Sporobolomyces salmonicolor
Authors: Muench T. M. , White M. R. , Wu C. C.
Published: March 2010

One-month-old Chinook salmon fry from a cold-water hatchery were presented live for euthanasia and necropsy. Gross lesions were emaciation in 90% of the fry and ascites and increased cutaneous pigmentation in the remaining 10%. A cause for the emaciation was not determined. Histologically, the fry with ascites and increased pigmentation had visceral mycosis with aerocystitis, myositis, peritonitis, and dermatitis. Sporobolomyces salmonicolor, a rare human pathogen, was isolated and identified in tissue sections from affected fry.
Metastatic Multicentric Neurofibrosarcoma of the Lumbosacral Plexus in a Cow
Authors: Sartin E. A. , Herrera G. A. , Wilkins L. P. , Wolfe D. F.
Published: March 2010

A metastatic multicentric neurofibrosarcoma of the lumbosacral plexus in an adult cow is described. The left lumbosacral plexus was obliterated by a mass which extended through the intervertebral foramen into the spinal canal and between the dorsal arches of the fifth and sixth lumbar vertebrae. A closely associated (possibly contiguous) mass extended into and separated the left sacroiliac joint. Multiple similar masses involved peripheral nerves and skeletal muscles of the pelvis, pelvic limbs, and abdominal wall. Metastatic lesions were scattered throughout the lungs. The lumbosacral lesion and all other masses consisted of interwoven bundles of loosely cohesive, elongated cells separated by variable collagenous matrix. Many neoplastic cells were positive for S-100 protein. Ultrastructurally, fibroblastic cells were mixed with scattered cells possessing schwannian characteristics.
Generalized AA-Amyloidosis in a Bat (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Authors: Gruber A. D. , Linke R. P.
Published: March 2010

Generalized amyloidosis was found to be the cause of death in a female adult insectivorous pipistrelle bat ( Pipistrellus pipistrellus) after chronic wound inflammation. Large amounts of amyloid were detected in liver, spleen, kidneys, stomach, intestine, lymphatic tissues, and endocrine and salivary glands. Congo red staining and green birefringence identified amyloid; the Congo red staining was sensitive to potassium permanganate oxidation. The amyloid was further classified immunohistochemically. The deposits reacted with two anti-human-AA-amyloid monoclonal antibodies in a peroxidase-antiperoxidase reaction, whereas no reaction was found with antibodies specific for other types of amyloid. Thus, the bat amyloid deposits were identified as generalized reactive AA-amyloidosis.
Pulmonary and Mediastinal Metastases of a Vaccination-site Sarcoma in a Cat
Authors: Rudmann D. G. , Alstine W. G. Van , Doddy F. , Sandusky G. E. , Barkdull T. , Janovitz E. B.
Published: March 2010

Sarcomas at vaccination sites in cats were first reported in 1992. Recent retrospective studies have confirmed an association between these vaccination-site sarcomas (VSS) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and/or rabies vaccines. In most cases, VSS are locally invasive fibrosarcomas that tend to recur but rarely metastasize. We report the mediastinal and pulmonary metastases of a VSS in a FeLV- and feline immunodeficiency virus-negative, 8-year-old, domestic short-haired cat. The primary sarcoma was removed from an interscapular vaccination site and diagnosed as a VSS 3 months prior to radiographic lesions suggestive of pulmonary and mediastinal metastases. At necropsy, there were multiple pulmonary and mediastinal nodules that histologically and ultrastructurally were fibrosarcomas, cytomorphologically similar to the VSS. In addition, immunohistochemical staining patterns of the VSS and metastatic sites were consistent with that described for VSS. Recent reports of pulmonary and mediastinal metastases of interscapular VSS emphasize the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of these tumors.
Type I Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia in a Great Pyrenees Dog
Authors: Boudreaux M. K. , Kvam K. , Dillon A. R. , Bourne C. , Scott M. , Schwartz K. A. , Toivio-Kinnucan M.
Published: March 2010

An 8-month-old female Great Pyrenees dog with chronic epistaxis and a history of gingival bleeding during shedding of deciduous teeth was evaluated for platelet function. Platelet morphology was normal at both the light and electron microscopic level. Platelet number and mean platelet volume were also normal. Platelet aggregation responses to adenosine diphosphate, collagen, platelet activating factor, and thrombin were markedly reduced, although shape change responses were normal. Clot retraction was markedly impaired. Monoclonal antibody (MoAb) Y2/51, a murine anti-human platelet β3antibody that cross-reacts with canine platelet β3, and MoAb 5G11, a murine anti-dog platelet αIIbβ3antibody, bound minimally to affected dog platelets, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Binding of MoAb Y2/51 was not detectable by immunoblot. MoAb CAP1, a murine anti-dog fibrinogen receptor-induced binding site antibody, failed to bind to affected dog platelets, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. A reduction in glycoproteins αIIband β3was demonstrated by two-dimensional protein electrophoresis. This is the first reported case of type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia in the dog that closely resembles the clinical syndrome and the platelet morphology described in type I Glanzmann's thrombasthenia of human beings.
Eloquence and incommensurability: An investigation into the grammar of irreconcilable differences
Authors: Lezaun Javier
Published: March 2010

On the seventh day of the trial of The State of Tennessee vs. John Thomas Scopes, William Jennings Bryan was cross-examined by Clarence Darrow. What ensued was one of the most famous exchanges in American legal history, and a constant referent in the struggle between religious Fundamentalists and defenders of academic freedom and natural evolution. Many saw in Darrow’s interrogation of Bryan a moment of revelation, a dramatic instantiation of the irreducible conflict between ‘ancient religion’ and ‘modern reason’. This paper returns to the transcript of the trial to examine what form of incommensurability was produced in the course of that celebrated examination. Contrary to the conventional interpretation of the Scopes trial as a moment of mutual untranslatability between irreconcilable positions, an analysis of the conversational structure of the exchange suggests a surprisingly robust and productive dialogue. It reveals a form of difference sustained by a shared grammar of mutual accountability.
Research Note: From co-location to co-presence: Shifts in the use of ethnography for the study of knowledge
Authors: Beaulieu Anne
Published: March 2010

Ethnography has been successfully deployed in science and technology studies, and more specifically in laboratory studies. By using co-presence rather than co-location as a starting point to conceptualize and articulate fieldwork, new aspects of knowledge production are foregrounded in ethnographic studies. This research note proposes and discusses co-presence as an epistemic strategy that pays close attention to non-lab based knowledge production that can embrace textuality, infrastructure and mediation, and that draws into relief the role of ethnographer as author, participant-observer and scholar. Furthermore, co-presence as an approach to doing fieldwork generates new prospects for the study of knowledge production. It enables STS to develop the ethnographic study of highly mediated, distributed or non-lab-based fields, such as the humanities, e-research and e-science.
A Comparison of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Tubularized and Native Semitendinosus Graft
Authors: Wang Robert Y. , Arciero Robert A. , Obopilwe Elifho , Mazzocca Augustus D.
Published: March 2010

Background: The semitendinosus tendon has a broad and thin length of aponeurosis. Tubularizing this portion of the graft converts it into a cylindrical structure, which may have implications for graft fixation.

Hypothesis: A tubularized semitendinosus tendon will demonstrate a higher tensile load to failure and increased stiffness compared with its native form.

Study Design: Controlled laboratory study.

Methods: Twenty cadaveric paired semitendinosus specimens were used. Ten served as the control group; the other 10 underwent tubularization along the length of the aponeurosis. All testing was performed on the MTS 858 Mini Bionix II. Outcome measures included cross-sectional area, stress, stiffness, and peak load to failure.

Results: The nontubularized tendons had a higher peak tensile load to failure (mean 1112.6 ± 345.0 N) than the tubularized tendons (mean 711.4 ± 228.7 N, P = .007). The nontubularized specimens also had a higher stiffness (213.0 ± 37.2 N) than the tabularized group (144.9 ± 44.8 N, P = .002).

Conclusion: Tubularization of the semitendinosus graft weakens its structural and mechanical properties.

Clinical Relevance: On the basis of the results of this study, we do not tubularize the semitendinosus graft in ACL reconstruction because of weakened structural and mechanical properties.
Design, Fabrication, and Testing of Epoxy/ Glass-reinforced Pressure Vessel for High-pressure Gas Storage
Authors: Shivamurthy B. , Siddaramaiah  , Prabhuswamy M.S.
Published: March 2010

The design, fabrication, and testing of an epoxy-glass reinforced polymer composite pressure vessel suitable for high-pressure gas storage have been reported. In this study composite pressure vessels are made up of aluminum alloy 6063 seamless liner and glass/epoxy composite reinforcement. The aluminum liner, which is developed by extruded aluminum tube of internal diameter 141 mm and wall thickness 4 mm, is subjected to super plastic deformation. Continuous glass fibers impregnated in epoxy resin are wound on the seamless liner by filament winding process. In this work, 10 pressure vessels were manufactured for 3.5 MPa service pressure with marginal safety of 3. Four pressure vessels were subjected to cyclic and burst test; the burst pressures were 10.9, 11.0, 11.0, and 13.0 MPa.
Estimating the failure strength of fiber metal laminates by using a hybrid degradation model
Authors: Rao Pavuluri MV , Subba Rao VV
Published: March 2010

Different analytical formulations are reported in recent works to model the failure strength and the progressive failure of different fiber metal laminates (FMLs). Although the basis for all these formulations is classical lamination theory (CLT), the models differ with each other while modeling the stiffness degradation. A common analytical formulation that is independent of configuration of the laminate will be very helpful for the designers in this field. Present work is aimed to develop such a model with the help of a hybrid degradation scheme, which uses constant degradation factors based on the condition of the adjacent lamina. This hybrid degradation scheme has helped to model the occurrence of multiple failures inside a lamina during failure progression. The formulation is tested with three types of FMLs and the results show that the formulation is very much helpful in predicting the failure strength and progressive failure.
Investigation on Physio-chemical and Mechanical Properties of Raw and Alkali-treated Agave americana Fiber
Authors: Mylsamy K. , Rajendran I.
Published: March 2010

This paper aims at introducing new natural fibers for use as fillers in a polymeric matrix enabling production of cost-effective, biodegradable, and lightweight composites for load carrying structures. Agave (Agave americana) leaf fiber, one such kind, is rich in cellulose, relatively inexpensive, and abundantly available. In this study, investigations on extraction of agave leaf fiber are carried out and its physical, chemical, and mechanical properties such as the cross section, length distribution, weight distribution, density, cellulose, hemicellose, lignin, and wax are determined experimentally. Analysis of the tensile force of the fiber, elongation of the fiber, and water absorption of the fiber in load direction and fiber length are also carried out. The effect of alkali treatment on the fiber at varying concentrations, temperature, and holding time are also studied. A scanning electron microscope is used to analyze the morphology of raw and treated fibers.
Disability Studies in Education
Authors: Baglieri Susan , Valle Jan W. , Connor David J. , Gallagher Deborah J.
Published: March 2010

This article asserts that the field of special education, historically founded on conceptions of disability originating within scientific, psychological, and medical frameworks, will benefit from acknowledging broader understandings of disability. Although well intended, traditional understandings of disability in special education have inadvertently inhibited the development of theory, limited research methods, narrowed pedagogical practice, and determined largely segregated policies for educating students with disabilities. Since the passage of P.L. 94-142, along with the growth of the Disability Rights Movements, meanings of disability have expanded and evolved, no longer constrained to the deficit-based medical model. For many individuals, disability is primarily best understood within social, cultural, and historical contexts. As career-long educators, the authors describe the emergence of Disability Studies in Education, illustrating ways it offers them the means to engage with longstanding tensions, limitations, and promises within their chosen field of special education—helping to reframe, accurately ground, and define their own research and practice. The authors call upon the field of special education to acknowledge and accept a greater plurality of perspectives about the nature of disability, recognizing the profound implications this raises for research, and viewing it as a welcome opportunity for ongoing dialogue.
Developing Skills in Everyday Activities and Self-Determination in Adolescents With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Sheppard Loretta , Unsworth Carolyn
Published: March 2010

Autonomous functioning, an essential characteristic of self-determined people, has been categorized behaviorally according to everyday activities in Self & Family Care (SFC), Life Management (LM), Recreation/Leisure (RL), and Social/Vocational (SV) skills. The effectiveness of a short-term (8–10 weeks) educational residential program to improve skills in these categories of everyday activities in adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities was examined, and the effect on participant self-determination was also measured. Results from this single-group, quasi-experimental research with three data collection points ( n = 31 from five cohorts over an 18-month period) found that participants’ skills in SFC/LM and RL had improved significantly with large effect sizes at postprogram and 3-month follow-up. Skills needed for SV activities did not show the same level of improvement, but participant-rated self-determination scores (as measured by the AIR Self-Determination Scales) improved significantly with small effect size at postprogram and moderate effect size at follow-up.
The Virtual History Museum
Authors: Okolo Cynthia M. , Englert Carol Sue , Bouck Emily C. , Heutsche Anne , Wang Hequn
Published: March 2010

History is an important but often overlooked content area for all students in this current era of accountability. Yet instruction in history can help students become problem solvers and learn to make interpretations from multiple perspectives. This article reports the results of a pilot study examining history learning across three groups of students (i.e., students with disabilities, students without disabilities, and students enrolled in an honors class) as they studied history (a unit on Andrew Jackson) through a Web-based history learning environment—the Virtual History Museum. The results indicate students in all three ability groups made gains from pretest to posttest in factual knowledge and reasoning about key concepts of the unit. The results provide preliminary support that a Web-based learning environment that includes features to assist students with mild disabilities can improve learning for all students at about the same rate.
A De Novo Mutation in the Adenosine Triphosphatase (ATPase) 8 Gene in a Patient With Mitochondrial Disorder
Authors: Mkaouar-Rebai Emna , Kammoun Fatma , Chamkha Imen , Kammoun Nadège , Hsairi Ines , Triki Chahnez , Fakhfakh Faiza
Published: March 2010

Mitochondrial DNA defects were known to be associated with a wide spectrum of human diseases and patients might present a wide range of clinical features in various combinations. In the current study, we described a patient with psychomotor and neurodevelopmental delay, mild hyperintensity of posterior periventicular white matter, generalized clonic seizures, leukodystrophy, and congenital deafness. He also had tetraplegia, with central blindness and swallowing difficulty. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed involvement of the interpeduncular nucleus and central tegmental tract, white matter abnormalities, and cerebellar atrophy. A whole mitochondrial genome screening revealed the presence of 19 reported polymorphisms and an undescribed A to G mutation at nucleotide 8411 (p.M16V) affecting a conserved region of the mitochondrial adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) 8 protein. This de novo mutation was detected in heteroplasmic form (97%) and was absent in 120 controls. Thus, the m.8411A>G mutation could strongly be associated with the disease in the tested patient.
Weight Gain and Insulin Resistance in Children Treated With Valproate: The Influence of Time
Authors: Masuccio Fabio , Verrotti Alberto , Chiavaroli Valentina , de Giorgis Tommaso , Giannini Cosimo , Chiarelli Francesco , Mohn Angelika
Published: March 2010

This study was undertaken in 2 parts to investigate the relationship between body size and insulin resistance during treatment with valproic acid in children. The cross-sectional part revealed differences in terms of body size and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, which were higher in the group on medication. The longitudinal part showed a major increase in body size and insulin resistance during the first year of therapy. There was a subsequent decrease in insulin resistance in association with the rise of body size, however with a trend to level off. These results might be helpful to enhance the knowledge of valproic acid action on both insulin resistance and weight gain, allowing to plan appropriate approach for the prevention of the consequences of the treatment with valproic acid.
Analysis of the Parental Origin of De Novo MECP2 Mutations and X Chromosome Inactivation in 24 Sporadic Patients With Rett Syndrome in China
Authors: Zhu Xingwang , Li Meirong , Pan Hong , Bao Xinhua , Zhang Jingjing , Wu Xiru
Published: March 2010

Rett syndrome is an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder that predominantly affects females. It is caused by mutations in methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 gene. Due to the sex-limited expression, it has been suggested that de novo X-linked mutations may exclusively occur in male germ cells and thus only females are affected. In this study, the authors have analyzed the parental origin of mutations and the X-chromosome inactivation status in 24 sporadic patients with identified methyl-CpG-binding protein2 gene mutations. The results showed that 22 of 24 patients have a paternal origin. Only 2 patients have a maternal origin. Except for 2 cases which were homozygotic at the androgen receptor gene locus, of the remaining 22 cases, 16 cases have a random X-chromosome inactivation pattern; the other 6 cases have a skewed X-chromosome inactivation and they favor expression of the wild allele. The relationship between X-chromosome inactivation and phenotype may need more cases to explore.
Autism Spectrum Disorders in Tuberous Sclerosis: Pathogenetic Pathways and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Curatolo Paolo , Napolioni Valerio , Moavero Romina
Published: March 2010

Autism spectrum disorders have been reported as being much more frequent in individuals with tuberous sclerosis than in the general population. Previous studies have implicated early seizure onset and the localization of cortical tubers in the temporal lobes as risk factors for autism. However, the underlying reasons for this association remain largely unclear. The dysregulation of intracellular signaling through the activation of mTOR pathway could play a direct role in determining susceptibility to autism. Early control of seizures and an early intensive behavioral intervention of autism during the period of brain plasticity can mitigate, but not reverse the final outcome. A greater understanding of the pathogenetic mechanisms underlying autism in tuberous sclerosis could help in devising targeted and potentially more effective treatment strategies.
Use of Corticosteroids in a Population-Based Cohort of Boys With Duchenne and Becker Muscular Dystrophy
Authors: Matthews Dennis J. , James Katherine A. , Miller Lisa A. , Pandya Shree , Campbell Kimberly A. , Ciafaloni Emma , Mathews Katherine D. , Miller Timothy M. , Cunniff Christopher , Meaney F. John , Druschel Charlotte M. , Romitti Paul A. , Fox Deborah J. ,   MD STARnet
Published: March 2010

The use of corticosteroids for treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy in clinical practice from 1991 through 2005 was reviewed in a large population-based cohort (MD STARnet) of boys in 4 regional sites and 6 clinics of the United States. Corticosteroid use increased from 20% (11 of 56 individuals) in 1991 to 44% (93 of 218 individuals) in 2005. Average use varied by site and ranged from 15% to 49%. The median age of corticosteroid initiation was 6.9 years (range, 3.7-17.4 years). Dosage and growth information was available for 102 participants and showed a median dose as 0.729 mg/kg for prednisone and 0.831 mg/kg for deflazacort. T. The most common reasons that corticosteroids were discontinued included weight gain, behavioral side effects, and loss of ambulation, resulting in full-time wheelchair use. Substantial variations in clinical practice were identified among study sites.
Preparation of Magnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Hyperthermia of Cancer in a FeCl2-NaNO3-NaOH Aqueous System
Authors: Li Zhixia , Kawashita Masakazu , Araki Norio , Mitsumori Michihide , Hiraoka Masahiro , Doi Masaaki
Published: March 2010

Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (MIONPs) were synthesized in a FeCl 2—NaNO3—NaOH aqueous system under various initial Fe2+/NO-3 molar ratios ( α) and Fe 2+/OH- molar ratios ( β) in order to clarify the effects of the initial molar ratio of reactants on the reaction mechanism. The Fe 2+/NO-3 /OH- molar ratio of 3 : 1 : 5 led to the formation of magnetic nanoparticles mainly composed of magnetite (Fe3O4) and maghemite (γ-Fe2O3). The 36 nm sized γ-Fe2O3 and 413 nm sized Fe 3O4 were obtained by changing the order in which NaNO 3 was added to a NaOH solution. The in vitro heat generations of the resulting MIONPs in an agar phantom were measured under an alternating magnetic field (100 kHz, 23.9 kA/m). The temperature rise (Δ T) of the agar phantom for the 36 nm sized γFe2O3 was 55°C in the first 140 s, with a concentration of 58 mg Fe/mL. Our results showed that it is possible to prepare MIONPs with high heating efficiencies under optimal conditions using the present method.
Improved Immunogenicity of Biodegradable Polymer Particles Entrapped Rotavirus Vaccine
Authors: Nayak Bismita , Ray Alok R. , Panda Amulya K. , Ray Pratima
Published: March 2010

Rotavirus (RV) entrapped in polylactide (PLA) and polylactide-coglycolide (PLGA) polymer particles were formulated and evaluated in mice for improved immunogenicity using oral, intranasal (IN), and intramuscular (IM) routes of administration. Microparticles of size ranges between 1 and 8 µm were prepared using double emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Stabilizers like mouse serum albumin, sucrose, and sodium bicarbonate that were used during particle formulation helped in minimizing the denaturation of the entrapped antigen. Immunization with 20 µg of antigen entrapped in polymeric particles through various routes of administration elicited measurable amount of antibody titer in mice. The immunoglobulin A (IgA) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer (≥4-fold rise between pre and post immunized sera) was analyzed by the use of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PLGA encapsulated RV microparticles elicited better antibody response through IN route (90%) where as PLA encapsulated RV microparticles showed improved response when administrated through oral route (83.3%). Overall, the performance of IN route based immunization was significantly higher than oral and IM route ( p<0.001) with both the polymers. The results are of indication that, PLGA encapsulated RV microparticles have greater potential for vaccine formulation to combat rotavirus infection.
Biocompatibility and Antibacterial Effect of Silver Doped 3D-Glass-Ceramic Scaffolds for Bone Grafting
Authors: Balagna Cristina , Vitale-Brovarone Chiara , Miola Marta , Verné Enrica , Canuto Rosa Angela , Saracino Silvia , Muzio Giuliana , Fucale Giacomo , Maina Giovanni
Published: March 2010

A 3D-glass-ceramic scaffold for bone tissue engineering with an interconnected macroporous network of pores was doped with silver ions in order to confer antibacterial properties. For this purpose, silver ions were selectively added to the scaffold surfaces through ion-exchange using an aqueous silver nitrate solution. The silver-doped scaffolds were characterized by means of leaching, in vitro antibacterial, and citotoxicity tests. In particular, the silver effect was examined through a broth dilution test in order to evaluate the proliferation of bacteria by counting the colonies forming units. Moreover, cytotoxicity tests were carried out to understand the effect of silver-containing scaffolds on cell adhesion, proliferation, and vitality. For all tests a comparison between silver-doped scaffold and silver-doped scaffold dry sterilized was performed.
Physical and Mechanical Properties of PMMA Bone Cement Reinforced with Nano-sized Titania Fibers
Authors: Khaled S.M.Z. , Charpentier Paul A. , Rizkalla Amin S.
Published: March 2010

X-ray contrast medium (BaSO4 or ZrO2) used in commercially available PMMA bone cements imparts a detrimental effect on mechanical properties, particularly on flexural strength and fracture toughness. These lower properties facilitate the chance of implant loosening resulting from cement mantle failure. The present study was performed to examine the mechanical properties of a commercially available cement (CMW®1) by introducing novel nanostructured titania fibers (n-TiO2 fibers) into the cement matrix, with the fibers acting as a reinforcing phase. The hydrophilic nature of the n-TiO2 fibers was modified by using a bifunctional monomer, methacrylic acid. The n-TiO2 fiber content of the cement was varied from 0 to 2 wt%. Along with the mechanical properties (fracture toughness ( KIC), flexural strength (FS), and flexural modulus (FM)) of the reinforced cements the following properties were investigated: complex viscosity-versus-time, maximum polymerization temperature ( Tmax), dough time ( tdough), setting time ( tset), radiopacity, and in vitro biocompatibility. On the basis of the determined mechanical properties, the optimized composition was found at 1 wt% n-TiO2 fibers, which provided a significant increase in KIC (63%), FS (20%), and FM (22%), while retaining the handling properties and in vitro biocompatibility compared to that exhibited by the control cement (CMW®1). Moreover, compared to the control cement, there was no significant change in the radiopacity of any of the reinforced cements at p = 0.05. This study demonstrated a novel pathway to augment the mechanical properties of PMMA-based cement by providing an enhanced interfacial interaction and strong adhesion between the functionalized n-TiO 2 fibers and PMMA matrix, which enhanced the effective load transfer within the cement.
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of 3D Porous TCP-coated and Non-coated Alumina Scaffolds
Authors: Kim Young-Hee , Anirban Jyoti M. , Song Ho-Yeon , Seo Hyung-Seok , Lee Byong-Taek
Published: March 2010

Both tricalcium phosphate (TCP) and alumina have been extensively studied and shown to have high biocompatibility. Tricalcium phosphate has improved biodegradability and a higher solubility than hydroxyapatite. In contrast, alumina (Al2O3) is almost completely inert at physiological conditions and has been used as a biomaterial due to its wear resistance, high surface finish, and excellent hardness. Thus, the combination of these two implants would result in greater biocompatibility and phenotype maintenance. A polyurethane (PU) foam replica method was employed in this study to coat TCP on an alumina scaffold. The TCP-coated alumina scaffold was then sintered to generate a porous surface morphology. The pore sizes obtained using this approach ranged between 100—600 µm, which is ideal for cellular proliferation. The cytotoxicity, cellular proliferation, differentiation, and ECM deposition on the coated scaffold resulted in longer-term viability of osteogenic markers compared to the non-coated scaffold. Moreover, the osteogenic properties of porous TCP-coated Al2O3 scaffolds were reported in this study using rabbit models. The TCP/Al2O 3 scaffold and control Al2O3 scaffolds were implanted in the rabbit femur. The bone tissue response was analyzed with micro-computed tomography (micro CT) at 12 and 24 weeks after implantation. The porous scaffolds exhibited favorable hard and soft tissue responses at both time points. At 24 weeks, a three-fold increase in bone tissue ingrowth was observed in defects containing TCP-coated Al2O3 scaffolds compared to control Al2O3 scaffolds.
Encapsulation of Curcumin in Pluronic Block Copolymer Micelles for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Sahu Abhishek , Kasoju Naresh , Goswami Pranab , Bora Utpal
Published: March 2010

We report here the potential of Pluronic tri-block copolymer micelles for the formulation of curcumin, a natural dietary compound having great therapeutic potential against many diseases including cancer. Two most commonly used Pluronic F127 and F68 were used for the formulation and analyzed for curcumin encapsulation efficiency and stability. The encapsulation of drug in micelle was highly dependent on drug-to-copolymer ratio. Pluronic F127 showed better encapsulation efficiency than Pluronic F68. In vitro release profile demonstrated slower and sustained release of curcumin from Pluronic micelles. The lyophilized form of the formulations exhibited good stability for long-term storage. The physical interaction of curcumin with Pluronic was evident by XRD analysis, UV-visible, fluorescence, and FT-IR spectroscopy. AFM study showed that the drug-encapsulated micelles were spherical in shape with diameters below 100 nm. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the drug formulations was investigated with HeLa cancer cells. Pluronic-encapsulated curcumin showed comparable anticancer activity with free curcumin.
Modification of Polyglutamic Acid with Silanol Groups and Calcium Salts to Induce Calcification in a Simulated Body Fluid
Authors: Koh Mi-Young , Ohtsuki Chikara , Miyazaki Toshiki
Published: March 2010

The formation of hydroxyapatite is important for artificial materials to show high biological affinities for bone tissue. The present study focused on the synthesis of hydrogels capable of showing apatite formation, through modification of polyglutamic acid (PGA) with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), followed by treatment with calcium chloride solution. A transparent bulk hydrogel was obtained at a molar ratio of PGA/APTES of 0.5. Prior soaking of the PGA hydrogel in calcium chloride solution accelerated the formation of bone-like apatite in a simulated body fluid. The modified PGA hydrogel is a candidate material for a biodegradable scaffold for bone regeneration.
Biocompatibility of Osteogenic Predifferentiated Human Cord Blood Stem Cells with Biomaterials and the Influence of the Biomaterial on the Process of Differentiation
Authors: Naujoks Christian , Langenbach Fabian , Berr Karin , Depprich Rita , Kübler Norbert , Meyer Ulrich , Handschel Jörg , Kögler Gesine
Published: March 2010

Modern cell-based bone reconstruction therapies offer new therapeutic opportunities and tissue engineering represents a more biological-oriented approach to heal bone defects of the skeleton. Human unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSCs) derived form umbilical cord blood offer new promising aspects e.g., can differentiate into osteogenetic cells. Furthermore these cells have fewer ethical and legal restrictions compared to embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the compatibility of osteogenic pre-differentiated USSCs with various biomaterials and to address the question, whether biomaterials influence the process of differentiation of the USSCs. After osteogenic differentiation with DAG USSCs were cultivated with various biomaterials. To asses the biocompatibility of USSCs the attachment and the proliferation of the cells on the biomaterial were measured by a CyQUANT® assay, the morphology was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and the influence of the gene expression was analyzed by real time PCR. Our results provide evidence that insoluble collagenous bone matrix followed by β-tricalciumphosphate is highly suitable for bone tissue engineering regarding cell attachment and proliferation. The gene expression analysis indicates that biomaterials influence the gene expression of USSCs. These results are in concordance with our previous study with ESCs.
Effects of Degradable Mg-Ca Alloys on Dendritic Cell Function
Authors: Feser K. , Kietzmann M. , Bäumer W. , Krause C. , Bach F.W.
Published: March 2010

Degradable magnesium alloys are new materials for implants used in orthopedic and trauma surgery. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of degradable magnesium alloys on the function of dendritic cells (DC) as these cells represent the major antigen presenting cells of the body. MgP (pure magnesium), MgCa 0.6 (0.6% calcium), MgCa 0.8 (0.8% calcium), MgCa 1.0 (1% calcium), and MgCa 1.2 (1.2% calcium) alloys were degraded in cell culture medium. In parallel, murine bone marrow-derived DC were incubated with increasing concentrations (0.1—10 mmol/L) of magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, respectively. Incubation of DC with degradation media over 6 days had no influence on cell viability and only marginal influence on DC migration. Also, the production of TNFα and expression of CD86 was not enhanced by incubation with degraded magnesium alloys. The mixed leukocyte reaction revealed that there was also no increase of the T-cell proliferation in comparison to untreated controls. However, there was a trend toward macrophage development at the expense of DC expansion and an enhanced DC migration was induced by incubation with higher magnesium concentrations. Particularly the latter should be verified in in vivo experiments.
Occupational Thinking and Its Relation to School Dropout
Authors: Vilhjálmsdóttir Gudbjörg
Published: March 2010

The aim of this longitudinal research is to explore whether poorly organized occupational thinking contributes to school dropout. The 377 students in the sample were 15—16 years old when they participated in an evaluative study on career education. Kelly’s method of measuring vocational constructs, the repertory grid technique, was used to measure gains in the organization of occupational thinking. Information on educational progress was gathered in a follow-up study 8 years later to examine, whether gains in development on vocational constructs at age 15—16 increased the likelihood of graduating from upper secondary schools. Results show effects on dropping out from gender and grades. A comparison between the groups that graduated and dropped out showed that gains in organized occupational thinking at age 15—16 predict graduation from vocational education, controlling for effects of social factors and grades.
Occupational Aspirations of Low Socioeconomic Black South African Children
Authors: Watson Mark , McMahon Mary , Foxcroft Cheryl , Els Catherine
Published: March 2010

There has been a call for a more systematic research focus on the career development of children from diverse socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, with the viewpoint that children’s career development research needs to be contextually grounded in the countries and cultures where such development occurs. This article describes the occupational aspirations (in terms of typology and status level) of Black South African upper elementary school children of low socioeconomic status. A nonprobability convenience sample of 274 children (157 females, 117 males) from Grades 5 and 6 participated. Two open-ended questions from the Revised Career Awareness Survey were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results revealed that most children aspired to social and investigative type occupations, with over 80% aspiring to high status occupations. There were few gender differences. The implications of the findings as well as practical considerations in researching more disadvantaged populations are discussed.
642 reasons to be cheerful
Authors: Rowland Steven
Published: March 2010

While most freelance journalists despair at the parlous state of the industry, Steven Rowland has some encouraging words for those seeking to make a living from freelance writing. Having set himself the task of pitching to every one of the 642 publications listed in the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook – and fully expecting a string of outright rejections – he was pleasantly surprised by the number of encouraging responses. He offers some useful advice about “forging relationships with editors” and indicates that journalism may be in better health than some of today’s dire predictions tend to suggest.