bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individualised vs fixed dose of oral 17β-oestradiol for induction of puberty in girls with Turner syndrome: an open-randomised parallel trial
Authors: Labarta José I , Moreno Maria L , López-Siguero Juan P , Luzuriaga Cristina , Rica Itxaso , Sánchez-del Pozo Jaime , Gracia-Bouthelier Ricardo
Published: July 2012

Context

Oestrogen induction of pubertal changes in Turner girls may reinforce their psychological well-being and may also optimise final height; however, oestrogen type, dose, and route are not well established.

Objective

To induce normal pubertal development in Turner girls and ovarian insufficiency with oral 17β-oestradiol (E2), either as individualised dose (ID) or as fixed dose (FD), and to determine whether growth is affected.

Design

Open-label randomised, parallel groups, multicentre clinical trial in 48 GH-treated Turner girls. Oral E2was given in tablets, either as an ID of 5–15 μg/kg per day during 2 years or as a FD of 0.2 mg daily during the first year followed by 0.5 mg daily during the second year. Main outcome measures were the event of attaining a Tanner breast staging ≥4 (primary), FSH, and auxological variables (secondary).

Results

Shorter median time to Tanner staging ≥ B4 in the FD group (733 days) compared with the ID group (818 days) (P=0.046). Higher proportion of girls with Tanner staging ≥ B4 (65%) in the FD group compared with the ID group (42%) (P=0.068). Bone age did not show inadequate acceleration and adult height prediction was maintained in both groups. No oestrogen-related adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Two-year treatment with oral E2can progressively induce normal pubertal development in Turner syndrome. Low-dose oral E2given as a FD produces a satisfactory pubertal development not inferior to ID. Treatment was well tolerated and did not interfere with the growth-promoting effect of GH.
DPP4 inhibitor vildagliptin preserves β-cell mass through amelioration of endoplasmic reticulum stress in C/EBPB transgenic mice
Authors: Shimizu Shinobu , Hosooka Tetsuya , Matsuda Tomokazu , Asahara Shun-ichiro , Koyanagi-Kimura Maki , Kanno Ayumi , Bartolome Alberto , Etoh Hiroaki , Fuchita Megumi , Teruyama Kyoko , Takahashi Hiroaki , Inoue Hiroyuki , Mieda Yusuke , Hashimoto Naoko , Seino Susumu , Kido Yoshiaki
Published: July 2012

The development of type 2 diabetes is accompanied by a progressive decline in β-cell mass and function. Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitor, is representative of a new class of antidiabetic agents that act through increasing the expression of glucagon-like peptide-1. The protective effect of this agent on β cells was studied in diabetic mice. Diabetic pancreatic β cell-specific C/EBPB transgenic (TG) mice exhibit decreased β-cell mass associated with increased apoptosis, decreased proliferation, and aggravated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Vildagliptin was orally administered to the TG mice for a period of 24 weeks, and the protective effects of this agent on β cells were examined, along with the potential molecular mechanism of protection. Vildagliptin ameliorated hyperglycemia in TG mice by increasing the serum concentration of insulin and decreasing the serum concentration of glucagon. This agent also markedly increased β-cell mass, improved aggravated ER stress, and restored attenuated insulin/IGF1 signaling. A decrease in pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 expression was also observed in β cells isolated from our mouse model, but this was also restored by vildagliptin treatment. The expression of C/EBPB protein, but not mRNA, was unexpectedly downregulated in vildagliptin-treated TG mice and in exenatide-treated MIN6 cells. Activation of the GLP1 pathway induced proteasome-dependent C/EBPB degradation in β cells as the proteasome inhibitor MG132 restored the downregulation of C/EBPB protein by exenatide. Vildagliptin elicits protective effects on pancreatic β cells, possibly through C/EBPB degradation, and has potential for preventing the progression of type 2 diabetes.
The effects of dietary fatty acid composition in the post-sucking period on metabolic alterations in adulthood: can ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids prevent adverse programming outcomes?
Authors: Hou Miao , Ji Chenlin , Wang Jing , Liu Yanhua , Sun Bin , Guo Mei , Burén Jonas , Li Xiaonan
Published: July 2012

Early life nutrition is important in the regulation of metabolism in adulthood. We studied the effects of different fatty acid composition diets on adiposity measures, glucose tolerance, and peripheral glucocorticoid (GC) metabolism in overfed neonatal rats. Rat litters were adjusted to a litter size of three (small litters (SLs)) or ten (normal litters (NLs)) on postnatal day 3 to induce overfeeding or normal feeding respectively. After weaning, SL and NL rats were fed a ω6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) diet (14% calories as fat, soybean oil) or high-saturated fatty acid (high-fat; 31% calories as fat, lard) diet until postnatal week 16 respectively. SL rats were also divided into the third group fed a ω3 PUFA diet (14% calories as fat, fish oil). A high-fat diet induced earlier and/or more pronounced weight gain, hyperphagia, glucose intolerance, and hyperlipidemia in SL rats compared with NL rats. In addition, a high-fat diet increased11β-hsd1(Hsd11b1) mRNA expression and activity in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue of both litter groups compared with standard chow counterparts, whereas high-fat feeding increased hepatic11β-hsd1mRNA expression and activity only in SL rats. SL and a high-fat diet exhibited significant interactions in both retroperitoneal adipose tissue and hepatic 11β-HSD1 activity. Dietary ω3 PUFA offered protection against glucose intolerance and elevated GC exposure in the retroperitoneal adipose tissue and liver of SL rats. Taken together, the results suggest that dietary fatty acid composition in the post-sucking period may interact with neonatal feeding and codetermine metabolic alterations in adulthood.
Mouse forkhead L2 maintains repression of FSH-dependent genes in the granulosa cell
Authors: Kuo Fang-Ting , Fan Kenneth , Bentsi-Barnes Ikuko , Barlow Gillian M , Pisarska Margareta D
Published: July 2012

The forkhead transcription factor forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is expressed in granulosa cells of small and medium follicles in the mouse ovary.Foxl2female knockout mice exhibit primordial follicle depletion and primary ovarian failure, but evidence from adult female conditionalFoxl2knockout mice suggests that FOXL2 may also play a significant role in maintenance of ovarian differentiation at stages beyond the primordial follicle and initial wave of folliculogenesis. We previously showed that human FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of several key genes involved in granulosa cell proliferation and differentiation, including steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), P450aromatase (CYP19A1(CYP19)), P450scc (CYP11A1(CYP11A)), and cyclin D2 (CCND2). To elucidate the role of mouse FOXL2, we determined its role in transcriptional regulation in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and then confirmed our findings in mouse granulosa cells. We found that mouse FOXL2 represses the activities of the mouseStar,Cyp19a1,Cyp11a1promoters in CHO cells, but may not repress theCcnd2promoter, and identified the minimal mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1promoter regions responsive to FOXL2 regulation. We then knocked downFoxl2in mouse granulosa cells using siRNA, which resulted in significantly increased expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1but notCcnd2. To increaseFoxl2expression levels, we generated a mouseFoxl2lentiviral construct and used it to infect mouse granulosa cells. Following lentiviral infection, the expression levels of mouseStar,Cyp19a1, andCyp11a1, but notCcnd2, decreased significantly. These data confirm that mouse FOXL2 functions as a transcriptional repressor of key granulosa cell genes that influence ovarian development.
Comparative Oncogenomics Implicates the Neurofibromin 1 Gene (NF1) as a Breast Cancer Driver
Authors: Wallace Marsha D , Pfefferle Adam D , Shen Lishuang , McNairn Adrian J , Cerami Ethan G , Fallon Barbara L , Rinaldi Vera D , Southard Teresa L , Perou Charles M , Schimenti John C
Published: July 2012

Identifying genomic alterations driving breast cancer is complicated by tumor diversity and genetic heterogeneity. Relevant mouse models are powerful for untangling this problem because such heterogeneity can be controlled. Inbred Chaos3 mice exhibit high levels of genomic instability leading to mammary tumors that have tumor gene expression profiles closely resembling mature human mammary luminal cell signatures. We genomically characterized mammary adenocarcinomas from these mice to identify cancer-causing genomic events that overlap common alterations in human breast cancer. Chaos3 tumors underwent recurrent copy number alterations (CNAs), particularly deletion of the RAS inhibitor Neurofibromin 1 (Nf1) in nearly all cases. These overlap with human CNAs including NF1, which is deleted or mutated in 27.7% of all breast carcinomas. Chaos3 mammary tumor cells exhibit RAS hyperactivation and increased sensitivity to RAS pathway inhibitors. These results indicate that spontaneous NF1 loss can drive breast cancer. This should be informative for treatment of the significant fraction of patients whose tumors bear NF1 mutations.
Clonal Interference in the Evolution of Influenza
Authors: Strelkowa Natalja , Lässig Michael
Published: July 2012

The seasonal influenza A virus undergoes rapid evolution to escape human immune response. Adaptive changes occur primarily in antigenic epitopes, the antibody-binding domains of the viral hemagglutinin. This process involves recurrent selective sweeps, in which clusters of simultaneous nucleotide fixations in the hemagglutinin coding sequence are observed about every 4 years. Here, we show that influenza A (H3N2) evolves by strong clonal interference. This mode of evolution is a red queen race between viral strains with different beneficial mutations. Clonal interference explains and quantifies the observed sweep pattern: we find an average of at least one strongly beneficial amino acid substitution per year, and a given selective sweep has three to four driving mutations on average. The inference of selection and clonal interference is based on frequency time series of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, which are obtained from a sample of influenza genome sequences over 39 years. Our results imply that mode and speed of influenza evolution are governed not only by positive selection within, but also by background selection outside antigenic epitopes: immune adaptation and conservation of other viral functions interfere with each other. Hence, adapting viral proteins are predicted to be particularly brittle. We conclude that a quantitative understanding of influenza’s evolutionary and epidemiological dynamics must be based on all genomic domains and functions coupled by clonal interference.
Study on Synthesis of PVA Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles using Green Synthesis and Their Application for Catalysis
Authors: Cheon Ja Young , Park Won Ho
Published: July 2012

The parameters influencing the formation of silver nanoparticles are reported. We used poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), maltose and silver nitrate as stabilizer, reductant and silver nanoparticles precursor, respectively. The formation of nanoparticles depended upon reaction temperature and pH of solution. The pH of solution controlled by HCl and NaOH. The reaction rate and amount of nanoparticles increase with increasing the reaction temperature. Also, formation of nanoparticles are influenced by pH. The size distribution and dispersion of Ag nanoparticles formed in PVA solution were observed by Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and the reaction rate and amount of nanoparticles were characterized UV-vis spectrophotometer.
A two-step UV curing process for producing high tensile stressed silicon nitride layers
Authors: Fischer Tobias , Prager Lutz , Hohage Joerg , Ruelke Hartmut , Schulz Stefan E. , Richter Ralf , Gessner T.
Published: July 2012

This experimental study presents a comparison of differently tensile stressed silicon nitride (SiN) layers and their response to irradiation in a vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) curing system. Therefore, three types of silicon nitride with initial stress levels of 450 MPa, 700 MPa and 980 MPa were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). In contrast to industrial standard VUV curing with broadband lamps ≥ 220 nm radiation wavelengths, we analyzed the effects of curing with single wavelengths at 172 nm and 222 nm. The samples were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and wafer bow measurement. It could be shown that high energy photons are able to dehydrogenize SiN films more than lower energetic photons compared with lower Si-N-Si crosslinking effects. Furthermore, we could show that a dual combined 172 nm and 222 nm VUV curing procedure can produce films with very low hydrogen concentration and high percentage of structural units consisting of Si-N-Si bonds. In conclusion of this study, an up to +900 MPa stress increasing process could be established.
Anthropometric Analysis of the Maxillary Bone and the Alar Base in Unilateral Cleft Lip with Secondary Nasal Deformity: Classification of a Piriform Margin Bony Depression
Authors: Zhang Lei , Lu Li , Li Zeng-Jian , Liu Qiang , Yang Ming-Liang , Wang Xu-Kai , Bai Xiao-Feng
Published: July 2012

Objectives

This study was conducted to measure the soft tissue of the alar base and the piriform aperture area of the maxillary bone of unilateral cleft lips with secondary nasal deformities when secondary operation are necessary to classify the alar base depression and to provide a clinical reference for the second surgery.

Methods

Twenty-six patients with unilateral cleft lip with secondary nasal deformity were treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, China Medial University. Nose data were attained preoperatively and postoperatively. Correlations were made between the soft tissue and the bony depression and patient satisfaction with the nasi basis. Classifications were then made based on these data.

Results

When the distance discrepancy of the bilateral piriform aperture depression was less than 4.5 mm, we obtained a fine appearance for the nose by repairing only the soft tissues. When it was more than 5 mm, we had to combine repair of the soft tissue with a bone graft or the restitution of the alveolar cleft. When the distance was between 4.5 mm and 5 mm, the surgeon considered both the wishes of the patient and the clinic's standard procedure.

Conclusions

For patients with cleft lips and palates, the bony depression was not the only factor that resulted in postoperative alar depression. Anthropometry of the nose prior to surgery was important for choosing the methods that would yield satisfactory results.
Conservative Management of Severe Open Bite and Feeding Difficulties in Patient with Noonan Syndrome
Authors: Fonteles Cristiane Sá Roriz , De Miranda Mota Ana Catarina , Lima Ramille Araújo , Borges Priscilla Cavalcante , Da Silveira Adriana
Published: July 2012

Noonan syndrome is a multiple malformation disorder with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Congenital heart defects, short stature, thoracic deformities, short neck with webbing, hypertelorism, malocclusions, and feeding difficulties are some of the commonly observed clinical features. We report on a case of a patient with Noonan syndrome, severe open bite, associated feeding difficulties, and strong gag reflex, discussing conservative management with myofunctional therapy. Myofunctional therapy has demonstrated a successful outcome, reestablishing masticatory function and routine dental home care after an 18-month follow-up.
Morphometric Evaluation of Craniofacial and Alveolar Arch Structures in Anencephalic Human Fetuses: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: Esenlik Elçin , Şener Emine Hilal , Yılmaz Hasan Hüseyin , Uğuz Ceren , Malas Mehmet Ali
Published: July 2012

Objective

The aim of the present study was to compare the morphometrics of the craniofacial and alveolar arch structures of anencephalic fetuses with those of normal human fetuses without anencephaly or any other anomaly.

Design

Original article.

Methods

Standard lateral and posteroanterior cephalometric radiographs of 23 anencephalic and 33 normal human fetuses aged between 21 and 40 weeks of gestation were compared. These fetuses were divided into three periods based on gestational age, and vertical, sagittal, transverse, and angular measurements were taken in the cranial base and facial regions. Moreover, intraoral measurements from the maxillary and mandibular arches were also made to determine the width and depth.

Results

N-S and S-Ba lengths and the N-S-Ba angle, measured on lateral cephalometric radiographs, were statistically smaller in anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). The S-N-ANS, S-N-Pg, and ANS-N-Pg angles and the Go-Me length were significantly greater in anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). Maxillary length, ramus length, and anterior facial heights were similar in both groups. On posteroanterior radiographs, all parameters except bigonial distance were found to be smaller in the anencephalic fetuses ( p < .05). Maxillary alveolar width was small among anencephalic fetuses in all three periods; whereas, the mandibular alveolar width was narrow only in the third period.

Conclusion

Cranial and facial structures were affected morphometrically to various degrees in anencephalic cases. The most significant alterations in anencephalic cases were related to measurements in the transverse direction. This indicated that cephalic tissue influenced not only the cranial base but also all facial structures.
Postsurgical Alveolar Bone Graft Patients: Elaboration and Application of a Data-Gathering Instrument for Nutrition and Nursing
Authors: Beluci Marli Luiz , De Barros Suely Prieto , Borgo Hilton Coimbra , Fontes Cassiana Mendes Bertoncello , Arena Eliane Petean
Published: July 2012

Objectives

To relate nutritional status with food acceptance by patients undergoing alveolar bone grafting and to elaborate an interdisciplinary instrument for data collection, involving nutrition and nursing teams.

Design/Intervention

A prospective, longitudinal, and comparative study with a quantitative approach was conducted in a tertiary institutional hospital. The nutritional anthropometric evaluation was performed one day before surgery (M1) and at hospital discharge (M2), by measuring body mass index (BMI), triceps skinfold thickness (TST), subscapular skinfold thickness (SST), and arm muscle circumference (AMC). The interdisciplinary instrument for data collection was used.

Patients

The sample comprised 150 patients, aged 10 to 20 years, of both genders, who agreed to participate in this study.

Results

Most of patients were well-nourished during the study. There was correlation between BMI and ∑ TST + SST at M1 and M2 ( P < .0001) and between BMI and AMC ( P < .0001). Concerning food acceptance, 145 patients had adequate intake and 5 did not. Comparisons between the groups of patients revealed decreases in values for BMI, ∑ TST + SST, and AMC from −0.37, 0.0, and 0.3, respectively, at M1 to −0.71, −3.0, and 0.0, respectively, at M2. BMI and AMC showed similar decreases in both groups.

Conclusions

The interdisciplinary instrument was useful and appropriate for associating nutritional status with food acceptance, adding value for teamwork.
Correction of the Bilateral Question Mark Ear Deformity Using Double-Opposing Z-Plasty and a Chondrocutaneous Flap
Authors: Bastidas Nicholas , Taylor Jesse A.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To describe an alternative technique for correcting a rare and complex ear deformity.

Introduction

The question mark ear deformity has been described as a congenital cleft between the helix and the lobule in addition to a prominent ear. Here we describe a novel technique using double-opposing Z-plasty and a chondrocutaneous flap to correct the deformity without significant reduction in auricle height or creation of a donor-site defect.

Methods

An anterior/posterior double-opposing Z-plasty and a superiorly based chondrocutaneous flap were designed at the level of the cleft. Flaps were raised full thickness, and Mustarde and Furnas sutures were placed to reduce the prominence. The flaps were then transposed and reapproximated. Of note, all anterior and posterior skin flaps were used in the repair to minimize diminution of ear height. Pre- and postoperative measurements and photographs of the ears were taken.

Results

Postoperatively, all flaps were viable, and there was no evidence of skin necrosis. The total length of the left ear was reduced by only 3 mm (53 to 50 mm), and the right ear was reduced by 1 mm (52 to 51 mm). The patient's pain was successfully managed as an outpatient, and there were no infectious complications. The resultant scars healed aesthetically and are minimally visible. The patient and her parents are satisfied with the results.

Conclusion

Our technique addresses all components of the question mark ear deformity and does not create a visible donor-site deformity.
Classification of Congenital Midline Upper Lip Sinuses: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Aoki Marie , Sakamoto Yoshiaki , Nagasao Tomohisa , Miyamoto Junpei , Kishi Kazuo
Published: July 2012

Background

We recently encountered a case of a midline upper lip sinus, one of the rarest congenital lip sinuses. Several embryological hypotheses have been proposed regarding the etiology of this rare disease, but it remains obscure.

Methods

We reviewed all cases of upper lip sinus reported in the English language through 2011, and classified them into three types according to accompanying anomalies and the site of the fistula.

Results

Twenty-eight studies involving 31 cases were reviewed and classified. A type I sinus was a midline sinus without accompanying anomalies. There were 13 such cases, with a female predilection. Type II sinuses were midline sinuses with accompanying anomalies, and there were nine such cases. Type III sinuses were lateral sinuses with or without accompanying anomalies; there were nine cases.

Conclusions

Our classification scheme is not only convenient for clinical application, but also reflects the embryological process responsible for congenital lip sinuses.
Resource availability and imbalance affect plant–mycorrhizal interactions: a field test of three hypotheses
Authors: Grman Emily , Robinson Todd M. P.
Published: July 2012

Ecological stoichiometry can explain major trends in how interactions among species change across fertility gradients, but important questions remain. For example, stoichiometry predicts that fertilization should cause plants to reduce carbon allocation to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and, consequently, reduce fungal abundance, but responses in the field are highly variable. In a field experiment, we tested three hypotheses that could drive this variation: (1) fungi are nitrogen limited in very nitrogen‐poor soils, so fertilization increases their abundance; (2) the N:P ratio of fertilization affects plant carbon allocation to fungi; (3) plant species differences affect fungal response. Our results support all three hypotheses: stoichiometry and species idiosyncrasies jointly determined fungal response to fertilization. We provide field evidence in support of the hypothesis that nitrogen can limit fungal abundance in temperate grasslands. We also show that fungal abundance in soil (hyphal length) differed beneath two dominant plant species: big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis). These grass species also differed in the degree to which they reduced root colonization with fertilization, but these differences in allocation did not lead to differential responses to fertilization in terms of fungal abundance in the soil. This study shows that, while ecological stoichiometry is a useful framework for understanding the effects of eutrophication on this important and widespread species interaction, including these subtleties can increase the predictive power of the theory.
Can a Code of Ethics Improve Manager Behavior and Investor Confidence? An Experimental Study
Authors: Davidson Bruce I. , Stevens Douglas E.
Published: July 2012

Policy makers and corporations have recently emphasized a code of ethics as an effective aspect of corporate governance. The corporate governance literature in accounting, however, provides little empirical or theoretical support for this emphasis. We address this gap between public policy and the literature by studying the effectiveness of a code of ethics in an experimental setting. Using Bicchieri's (2006) model of social norm activation, we predict that a code of ethics will improve manager return behavior and investor confidence to the extent that it activates social norms that control opportunistic behavior. Further, we predict that adding a certification choice whereby the manager can publicly certify that he will adhere to the code will enhance the potential for the code of ethics to activate such norms. We find that a code of ethics only improves manager return behavior and investor confidence when the code incorporates a public certification choice by the manager. When the code is present but there is no certification choice, manager return behavior does not improve and investor confidence erodes over time because of increased expectations that are not met by managers. An analysis of individual return decisions and exit questionnaire responses supports the activation of social norms as the underlying mechanism behind our results.

Data Availability: Experimental data are available from the authors upon request.
Should PCAOB Disciplinary Proceedings Be Made Public? Evidence from Sanctions against a Big 4 Auditor
Authors: Dee Carol Callaway , Lulseged Ayalew , Zhang Tianming
Published: July 2012

In our paper “Client Stock Market Reaction to PCAOB Sanctions against a Big 4 Auditor” (Dee et al. 2011), we examine stock price effects for clients of a Big 4 audit firm when news of sanctions imposed by the PCAOB against the audit firm was made public. These PCAOB penalties were the first against a Big 4 auditor, and they revealed information about quality-control problems at the audit firm that were not publicly known until the sanctions were announced. Our analysis of stock prices suggests that investors in clients of the penalized Big 4 firm reevaluated their perceptions of the quality of the firm's audit work after learning of the sanctions. The negative stock price effects for the firm's clients were consistent with investors inferring that the financial statements were of lower quality. In the paper, we conclude that investors find information about PCAOB sanctions against audit firms to be relevant in assessing audit quality and use that information in setting stock prices for audit firms' clients. This finding has relevance for the debate on the proposed legislation in Congress (H.R. 3503), which would allow the PCAOB to disclose proceedings against auditors before the investigations are concluded. Our results suggest that, although investors may find early disclosure of this information useful, public disclosure of Board disciplinary proceedings before they are completed could unfairly harm an audit firm's reputation if the firm is ultimately vindicated of wrongdoing.
Increased Inner Ear Susceptibility to Noise Injury in Mice With Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Yamashita Daisuke , Katsunuma Sayaka , Hasegawa Shingo , Tanimoto Hitoshi , Nibu Ken-ichi
Published: July 2012

We aimed to investigate the pathophysiology of diabetes-associated hearing impairment in type 1 diabetes using mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes (C57BL/6J; male). Hearing function was evaluated 1, 3, and 5 months after induction of diabetes (five diabetic and five control animals per time point) using auditory-evoked brain stem responses (ABRs). Mice (four diabetic and four control) were exposed to loud noise (105 dB) 5 months after induction of diabetes. ABRs were measured before and after noise exposure. Cochlear blood flows were measured by laser-Doppler flowmeter. Spiral ganglion cells (SGCs) were counted. Vessel endothelial cells were observed by CD31 immunostaining. Chronologic changes in the ABR threshold shift were not significantly different between the diabetic and control groups. However, vessel walls in the modiolus of the cochleae were significantly thicker in the diabetic group than the control group. Additionally, recovery from noise-induced injury was significantly impaired in diabetic mice. Reduced cochlea blood flows and SGC loss were observed in diabetic mice cochleae after noise exposure. Our data suggest that diabetic cochleae are more susceptible than controls to loud noise exposure, and decreased cochlear blood flow due to sclerosis of the vessels and consequent loss of SGCs are possible mechanisms of hearing impairment in diabetic patients.
Serum Concentration of Cystatin C and Risk of End-Stage Renal Disease in Diabetes
Authors: Krolewski Andrzej S. , Warram James H. , Forsblom Carol , Smiles Adam M. , Thorn Lena , Skupien Jan , Harjutsalo Valma , Stanton Robert , Eckfeldt John H. , Inker Lesley A. , Groop Per-Henrik
Published: July 2012

OBJECTIVE

Patients with diabetes have a high risk of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). We examined whether prediction of this outcome, according to chronic kidney disease (CKD) staging by creatinine-based estimates of the glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcreat), is improved by further staging with serum cystatin C–based estimates (eGFRcyst).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with diabetes in CKD stages 1–3 were selected from three cohorts: two from Joslin Diabetes Center, one with type 1 diabetes (N = 364) and one with type 2 diabetes (N = 402), and the third from the Finnish Diabetic Nephropathy (FinnDiane) Study of type 1 (N = 399). Baseline serum concentrations of creatinine and cystatin C were measured in all patients. Follow-up averaged 8–10 years and onsets of ESRD (n = 246) and death unrelated to ESRD (n = 159) were ascertained.

RESULTS

Although CKD staging by eGFRcyst was concordant with that by eGFRcreat for 62% of Joslin patients and 73% of FinnDiane patients, those given a higher stage by eGFRcyst than eGFRcreat had a significantly higher risk of ESRD than those with concordant staging in all three cohorts (hazard ratio 2.3 [95% CI 1.8–3.1]). Similarly, patients at a lower stage by eGFRcyst than by eGFRcreat had a lower risk than those with concordant staging (0.30 [0.13–0.68]). Deaths unrelated to ESRD followed the same pattern, but differences were not as large.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with diabetes, CKD staging based on eGFRcyst significantly improves ESRD risk stratification based on eGFRcreat. This conclusion can be generalized to patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and to diabetic patients in the U.S. and Finland.
Antinociceptive effects after oral administration of tramadol hydrochloride in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Sanchez-Migallon Guzman David , Souza Marcy J. , Braun Jana M. , Cox Sherry K. , Keuler Nicholas S. , Paul-Murphy Joanne R.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To evaluate antinociceptive effects on thermal thresholds after oral administration of tramadol hydrochloride to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

Animals—15 healthy adult Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.

Procedures—2 crossover experiments were conducted. In the first experiment, 15 parrots received 3 treatments (tramadol at 2 doses [10 and 20 mg/kg] and a control suspension) administered orally. In the second experiment, 11 parrots received 2 treatments (tramadol hydrochloride [30 mg/kg] and a control suspension) administered orally. Baseline thermal foot withdrawal threshold was measured 1 hour before drug or control suspension administration; thermal foot withdrawal threshold was measured after administration at 0.5, 1.5, 3, and 6 hours (both experiments) and also at 9 hours (second experiment only).

Results—For the first experiment, there were no overall effects of treatment, hour, period, or any interactions. For the second experiment, there was an overall effect of treatment, with a significant difference between tramadol hydrochloride and control suspension (mean change from baseline, 2.00° and −0.09°C, respectively). There also was a significant change from baseline for tramadol hydrochloride at 0.5, 1.5, and 6 hours after administration but not at 3 or 9 hours after administration.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Tramadol at a dose of 30 mg/kg, PO, induced thermal antinociception in Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. This dose was necessary for induction of significant and sustained analgesic effects, with duration of action up to 6 hours. Further studies with other types of noxious stimulation, dosages, and intervals are needed to fully evaluate the analgesic effects of tramadol hydrochloride in psittacines.
Validation of an equine inertial measurement unit system in clinically normal horses during walking and trotting
Authors: Moorman Valerie J. , Reiser Raoul F. , McIlwraith C. Wayne , Kawcak Chris E.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To validate an equine inertial measurement unit (IMU) system rigidly attached to a hoof against a 3-D optical kinematics system in horses during walking and trotting.

Animals—5 clinically normal horses.

Procedures—5 swing phases of the hooves of the right forelimb and hind limb were collected via both 3-D optical and IMU systems from 5 horses during walking and trotting. Linear and angular positions, velocities, and accelerations were compared between the 2 systems.

Results—Of the 55 variables compared between the 2 systems, 25 had high correlations (r > 0.8) and 18 had moderate correlations (r > 0.5). Root mean squared errors were lowest in the sagittal plane and orientation (1.1 to 4.4 cm over a range of 1.5 to 1.9 m in the cranial-caudal direction and 2.5° to 3.5° over a range of 88° to 110° rotating around the medial-lateral axis). There were more differences between the 2 systems during small changes in motion, such as in the medial-lateral and proximal-distal directions and in the angular measures around the cranial-caudal and proximal-distal axes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The equine IMU system may be appropriate for rigid attachment to a hoof of a horse and use in examination of linear and angular motion in the sagittal plane of the hoof during the swing phase while walking and trotting. Although promising in many respects, the IMU system cannot currently be considered clinically useful for lameness evaluation because of limitations in accuracy, attachment method, and lack of stance phase evaluation.
Sonographic characteristics of presumptively normal main axillary and superficial cervical lymph nodes in dogs
Authors: Silver Tawni I. , Lawson Joshua A. , Mayer Monique N.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To evaluate the B-mode and Doppler ultrasonographic appearance of presumptively normal main axillary and large superficial cervical lymph nodes (MALNs and SCLNs, respectively) in adult dogs.

Animals—51 healthy adult dogs (data from 1 dog were not analyzed).

Procedures—For each dog, weight, distance from the cranial aspect of the first sternebra to the caudal aspect of the left ischiatic tuberosity, and thoracic height and width at the level of the xiphoid process were recorded. Via B-mode and Doppler ultrasonography, echogenic characteristics, size in relation to body size and weight, and vascular supply of the MALNs and the SCLNs were evaluated (1 SCLN in 1 dog was not ultrasonographically visible).

Results—Most MALNs were clearly margined, solitary, and ovoid; echopatterns were homogenous or cortical and hypo- to isoechoic, compared with surrounding soft tissues. Size measurements of MALNs correlated with dogs' body length, thoracic width and height, and body weight. Most SCLNs were clearly margined, fusiform, and hypoechoic (compared with surrounding soft tissues) with a cortical or homogenous echopattern. Size measurements of SCLNs correlated with dogs' body length, thoracic width and height, and body weight. In 50 of the 100 MALNs, an intranodal vascular supply was detected; in contrast, an intranodal vascular supply in SCLNs was detected infrequently.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that, in dogs, anatomically separate lymph nodes have different echogenic and vascular characteristics; body size (skeletal length, height, and width), along with body weight, were correlated with sizes of presumptively normal MALNs and SCLNs.
Effects of extracellular lactate on production of reactive oxygen species by equine polymorphonuclear leukocytes in vitro
Authors: Echigoya Yusuke , Morita Shohei , Itou Takuya , Sakai Takeo
Published: July 2012

Objective—To evaluate effects of extracellular lactate on viability, shape change, lactate metabolism, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in equine polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs).

Sample—PMNs isolated from equine venous blood samples.

Procedures—PMNs were incubated with 0 to 300mM lactate for 30 minutes before each experiment. Viability was assessed via trypan blue exclusion. Shape change was assessed via flow cytometry and light microscopy. Relative quantification of monocarboxylic acid transporter and lactate dehydrogenase lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isotype mRNAs was performed with a real-time PCR assay. Effects of lactate at a pH of 7.4 to 6.0 on ROS production in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, opsonized zymosan, or N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine was assessed by luminol-dependent chemiluminescence.

Results—Lactate had no effect on viability of PMNs but did alter their size and density. Monocarboxylic acid transporter 1 and lactate dehydrogenase B mRNA values were not altered. Monocarboxylic acid transporter 4 and lactate dehydrogenase A mRNA values were significantly decreased. Lactate incubation of cells significantly decreased PMN-derived luminol-dependent chemiluminescence and induced different sensitivities to stimulants (phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, opsonized zymosan, and N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine). The response ratio to N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine revealed that PMNs were primed by incubation with up to 50mM lactate, significantly increasing the production of ROS. Incubation with lactate and acidic pH caused a synergistic effect on ROS production.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Extracellular lactate potentially has a direct effect on the capacity to produce ROS by equine PMNs, which may be associated with alterations in innate immune functions within a short period after high-intensity exercise.
Refractive state following retinal reattachment and silicone oil tamponade in dogs
Authors: Hoffman Allison , Wolfer Joe , Occelli Laurence , Lehenbauer Terry W. , Sapienza John , Novak Jenny M. , Combs Kelli L. , Konrade Kricket A.
Published: July 2012

Objective—To evaluate the refractive error induced by intraocular administration of silicone oil (SiO) in dogs.

Animals—47 client-owned dogs evaluated for blindness secondary to retinal detachment.

Procedures—3-port pars plana vitrectomy with perfluoro-octane and SiO exchange (1,000- or 5,000-centistoke SiO) was performed in 1 or both eyes for all dogs (n = 63 eyes), depending on which eye or eyes were affected. Dogs were normotensive, had complete oil filling of the eyes, and were examined in a standing position for retinoscopic examination of both eyes (including healthy eyes).

Results—The mean refractive error for SiO-filled phakic and pseudophakic eyes was 2.67 and 3.24 D, respectively. The mean refractive error for SiO-filled aphakic eyes was 6.50 D. Dogs in which 5,000-centistoke SiO was used had consistently greater positive refractive errors (mean, 3.45 D), compared with dogs in which 1,000-centistoke SiO was used (mean, 2.10 D); however, the difference was nonsignificant. There was no significant linear relationship between refractive error and the number of days between surgery and retinoscopy.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Hyperopia was observed in all dogs that underwent SiO tamponade, regardless of lens status (phakic, pseudophakic, or aphakic). Aphakic eyes underwent a myopic shift when filled with SiO. Pseudophakic eyes appeared to be more hyperopic than phakic eyes when filled with SiO; however, additional investigation is needed to confirm the study findings.
Authorship disputes: A research misconduct
Authors: Badhu B P
Published: July 2012

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6568 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 78-79
Clinical profile of diabetic ketoacidosis in adults
Authors: Rao V D , Pradhan B , Mallikarjuna Y , Reddy R
Published: July 2012

Introduction: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a potentially life-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Recent epidemiological studies indicate that hospitalizations for DKA in the U.S. are increasing. Epidemiological studies from India are limited. We undertook this observational study to analyse the clinical profiles of DKA in adults in south India.Methods: This study was conducted in at a tertiary care center in Andhra Pradesh for one year from Aug 2010 to July 2011. Diagnosis of DKA was made by the presence of (1) Plasma glucose level of 250mg/dl or higher (2) Serum bicarbonate level of 15mEq/lt or lower (3) Arterial blood pH of 7.3 or lower or a venous blood pH of 7.25 or lower (4) Presence of moderate or large urine ketones. All the patients were treated with institutional treatment protocol.Results: Of 27 patients, 22(81%) had type2 diabetes and 5(19%) had type 1 DM .10 were females and 17 males. Age of the patients ranged between 18 to 70 years, with an average of 45.3 years. Precipitating factors were present in 60% of the admissions. Non-compliance or discontinuation of drug therapy was seen in fifty per cent of patients. Average length of hospital stay was slightly longer in type 1 than type 2 DM patientsConclusion: A significant proportion of DKA occurs in patients with type 2 diabetes and many of these cases can be prevented with proper patient education and effective communication with a health care provider during an inter-current illness.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6569 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 80-86
A spectacle retained acrylic orbital prosthesis for rehabilitation of an exenterated eye
Authors: Parajuli P K , Suwal P , Singh R K
Published: July 2012

Exenteration of an eye causes massive disfigurement and psychologic as well as social embarrassment as facial appearance is severely crippled. Prosthetic rehabilitation of such patients, if done meticulously, will improve the appearance as well as their self confidence. This case report describes an orbital prosthesis fabricated to rehabilitate a patient with exenteration of right eye, with the most economical material and easily available technique.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6585 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 144-146
Retroperitoneal ganglioneuroma
Authors: Karki S , Sinha A K , Upadhyaya P , Agarwal M , Pradhan A , Paudyal P , Kafle S U , Kattel G , Agarwal R K
Published: July 2012

Ganglioneuromas are fully differentiated benign tumors of the sympathetic nervous system arising from the neuroectodermal cells. Its reported incidence is one per million populations. We report an incidentally detected, histopathologically proven ganglioneuroma of the retroperitoneum in a 39 year old lady with the preoperative diagnosis of adrenal tumor.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6586 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 147-149
Discitis after spinal anaesthesia in lower limb surgery in orthopaedics
Authors: Chaudhary P , Shrestha B P , Khanal G P , Maharjan R , Rijal R , Paneru S R , Yadav D K
Published: July 2012

Spinal Anaesthesia has its own complications from beginning of its use but due to lower incidence of its complications, its popularity has continued to increase worldwide. We present a case of 51 year old gentleman who had undergone removal of implant (plate from tibia and Rush nail from femur) at Orthopaedic Department of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal with complain of low back pain with radiation to right lower limb, decreased sensation, difficulty in voiding following a surgery. We report this case for its rarity and unique characteristics and to highlight the importance of bits timely treatment so that serious neurological complications do not occur.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v10i2.6587 Health Renaissance 2012; Vol 10 (No.2); 150-152
Relationship and Responsiveness of Three Upper-Limb Tests in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Janaudis-Ferreira Tania , Hill Kylie , Goldstein Roger S. , Wadell Karin , Brooks Dina
Published: July 2012

Purpose: To determine (1) the relationship among three common upper-limb tests for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): unsupported upper limb exercise test (UULEX), 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT), and a muscle-strength test using a hand-held dynamometer; and (2) the responsiveness of these three tests to changes after pulmonary rehabilitation that included a resistance arm-training programme. Methods: The study was a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT). The UULEX and the 6PBRT were used to measure peak arm exercise capacity and arm function, respectively. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure elbow and shoulder flexion force. We analyzed baseline data for all participants in the RCT, as well as baseline and post-PR data for those who completed 6-week follow-up testing. Results: 36 patients with COPD (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]=35% [SD 15%] predicted; age 66 [9] y) participated, of whom 13 completed an arm-training programme. The correlations among the test results ranged from 0.41 to 0.81 (p<0.0001). Standardized response means were 1.0 for muscle force of elbow flexion, 1.2 for shoulder flexion, and 1.8 for the 6PBRT and UULEX. Conclusions: Although the three tests (UULEX, 6PBRT, and muscle-strength test using a hand-held dynamometer) are intended to measure different constructs, they were moderately to highly correlated with one another. The 6PBRT, UULEX, and muscle-strength test were demonstrated to be responsive to the resistance arm-training programme.
Influence of Virginia Market Type Genotype on Peanut Response to Weed Interference
Authors: Place G. T. , Reberg-Horton S. C. , Jordan D. L. , Isleib T. G. , Wilkerson G. G.
Published: July 2012

Differences in the ability of cultivars to compete with weeds are not well-defined for peanut. Research was conducted in 2007 and 2008 to compare the growth and competitiveness of the virginia market type cultivars NC 10C, NC-V 11, NC 12C, Phillips, VA 98R, and breeding lines N99027L, N01013T, and N02020J under weedy and weed-free conditions. Weed-free peanut was established by applying preemergence and postemergence herbicides throughout the growing season supplemented by weekly hand removal of weeds. Clethodim was applied to weedy peanut to eliminate annual grass interference but not interference from broadleaf weeds and sedges. Weed-free peanut biomass, weedy peanut biomass, and weed biomass were not affected by genotype 10 weeks after peanut emergence. Although substantial yield loss was noted in presence of weeds, the percent yield loss did not vary by genotype when comparing weedy and weed-free yield. These data suggest that cultivar selection within virginia market type peanut will have limited utility in a comprehensive weed management strategy.