bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Albanian immigration to Greece: Diffusion and dispersion in urban area: The case of Thessaloniki
Authors: Kokkali Ifigeneia
Published: October 2010

Albanian immigration in Greece could be qualified as singular, given its ample repartition throughout the national territory, which is not the case for other migrant groups that tend to be concentrated in specific areas, in particular, in the Athenian agglomeration. This "exemplary" migration seems to generate comparable patterns even within the urban space. The object of this paper will be to relate these two portrayals of Albanian migration: within both the national Greek territory and the urban space, through the example of Thessaloniki. Our objective will thus be to illustrate Albanian households? repartition in Thessaloniki and to compare their spatial distribution with the distribution of other migrant groups. In this way, we will be able to demonstrate the spatial pattern that Albanian migration takes on in Thessaloniki, as well as to reveal the Albanian immigrants? mode of territorial insertion.
Gender inequalities from the demographic perspective
Authors: Devedzic Mirjana
Published: October 2010

The paper analyzes the meaning of the phrase "the woman?s status in the society" that is recognized in demography as an important cultural factor of demographic development and transitional changes. The analysis indicates qualitative shifts in the woman?s status and simultaneously reveals its importance at present, not only in traditional, but also in modern and developed societies. On the other hand, it explains the importance of sex as a biodemographic determinant, and introduces the concept of gender that sheds another light on the concepts of sex and woman?s status in the society and integrates them. Gender regimes that subsume the inferiority of women in public and private social structures are examined from demographic perspective, albeit only in those phenomenological aspects that can be supported by demographic research, theories, and analyses. To this end, the paper analyzes the effects of strengthening gender equalities on the fertility and mortality transitions, the gender?s impact on the population distribution by sex in South Asian countries, and highlights the key role of gender in interpreting certain social and economic structures. It also stresses the establishing of gender equality as an important element of population policies. The global dimension of the patriarchal society is illustrated through a series of examples of demographic phenomena from various societies. Gender regimes underlie all of these phenomena. The paper puts foreword certain theoretical hypotheses about gender inequalities, and finds their connections with demographic behaviors and demographic indicators. Finally, it summarizes the role of demography in gender (in)equality research and the demographic perspective of the way and the speed the demographic equality is being established. Demography is seen as an irreplaceable discipline in examining gender inequalities, especially at the global level. With the advance of qualitative methods in demography and with its multidisciplinary nature, demography gets closer and closer to the field of "woman issues".
Changes in household average size in Serbia in the second half of the 20th century
Authors: Djordjevic Ljiljana
Published: October 2010

In the last 50 years Serbia has experienced a number of great changes in all fields of social life. Periods of development and periods of great economical, political and social crisis interchanged. All those changes affected everyday life of our households which also had their own ups and downs. Under the influence of numerous improving, but also destabilizing factors, households have gradually changed their structure and population dimension in above mentioned time period. However, changes did not have equal effect in all regions of Serbia. Uneven tempo of social-economic development, diverse cultural and historical past, as well as demographic transition rate, affected great regional differences in average size of Serbian households. Average size of household in Central Serbia and Vojvodina, according to population dimension, resemble to average European household (about 3 members). On the other hand, households at Kosovo and Metohija, with over then six members average, are the largest in Europe.
Anthropometry and cardiovascular risk factors in women and offspring after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kvehaugen Anne Stine , Andersen Lene Frost , Staff Anne Cathrine
Published: October 2010

Objective. To explore whether there are any differences in cardiovascular risk factors, including anthropometrics, blood pressure and serum glucose between women and offspring after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus, compared to uncomplicated pregnancies. Design. Longitudinal follow‐up of mother and child previously recruited to a pregnancy biobank in Norway. Setting. University hospital. Population. Women with a history of preeclampsia (n = 23), gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 12), diabetes mellitus type 1 (n = 11), or controls (n = 17), and their respective child were recruited 5–8 years after the index pregnancy. Methods. Anthropometrics and blood pressures were measured in mother and child. All non‐diabetic women underwent an oral glucose challenge test. Main outcome measures. Body mass index, waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, serum glucose, systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Results. Women in the preeclampsia and diabetes mellitus groups had a slightly higher median systolic blood pressure (p < 0.05), and were more often abdominally obese (waist circumference ≥88 cm) compared with controls (p < 0.05). A waist to hip ratio ≥0.85 was more common in the diabetes group compared to the controls (p < 0.01). Fasting serum glucose was higher in the gestational diabetes mellitus group (p < 0.05) compared to controls. A higher proportion of children of mothers with diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia were overweight or obese compared to controls, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions. This clinical study has identified several modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease in women and children 5–8 years after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus. Potential intervention strategies could focus on life style alterations after delivery, with emphasis on weight management.
Short‐ and long‐term results of secondary anterior sphincteroplasty in 33 patients with obstetric injury
Authors: Johnson Egil , Carlsen Erik , Steen Thorbjørn B. , Backer Hjorthaug Jon O. , Eriksen Morten Tandberg , Johannessen Hans‐Olaf
Published: October 2010

Objective. To study short‐ and long‐term improvement in obstetric anal incontinence after secondary overlapping sphincteroplasty and repeat repairs. Design. A prospective analysis based on incontinence scores and patient satisfaction. Setting. Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, a tertiary unit also dealing with sphincter repair. Population. Of 40 obstetric patients operated consecutively from February 1996 to April 2004, 33 (83%) patients with median age of 36 years were eligible for evaluation. Methods. Wexner's and St. Mark's incontinence score, clinical examination, anal ultrasonography and manometry, and neurophysiological examination when indicated. Patient satisfaction to treatment was recorded. The patients had anterior overlapping sphincteroplasty. Five had repeat operations, four sphincteroplasty and two post‐anal repair. Main outcome measures. Anal incontinence, patient satisfaction. Results. The 33 patients were examined after median 7 (range 2–62) months and 103 (62–162) months. Median incontinence scores preoperatively and after short‐ and long‐term follow‐up were 12 (5–20), 7 (5–20) (p < 0.01) and 9 (0–18) (p < 0.05), respectively. Three patients (9%) had normalized anal incontinence (score ≤1) after short‐ and long‐term follow‐up. Corresponding numbers for improved anal incontinence were 22 (67%) and 16 (49%), respectively. Improvement in incontinence scores and patients' satisfaction were concordant. Symptom duration (n = 7), pudendal neuropathy (n = 6), repeat repair (n = 5) and instrument delivery (n = 3) were associated with adverse outcome. Conclusions. Improvement in anal incontinence at short‐term follow‐up is attenuated at long‐term follow‐up. Stoma formation, sacral nerve stimulation and neo‐sphincter formation must be considered in compliant patients.
Dietary intake and physical activity in women and offspring after pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia or diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kvehaugen Anne Stine , Andersen Lene Frost , Staff Anne Cathrine
Published: October 2010

Women with a history of diabetes mellitus (DM) or preeclampsia (PE) in pregnancy run an increased risk of future cardiovascular associated diseases. Offspring of such pregnancies may possibly also have an altered risk in health status. Descriptive studies of dietary intake and physical activity in mother and children several years after pregnancies complicated by PE or DM are lacking. By the use of a simple questionnaire survey, we aimed at exploring whether there are any differences in these lifestyle factors between women and between offspring 5–8 years after PE (23 women–child pairs) or DM (23 women–child pairs) in pregnancy, compared to uncomplicated pregnancies (controls, 17 women–child pairs). Our data showed that women in the DM‐ and PE‐group were less physically active compared to controls (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05, respectively), and more children in the control‐group followed the Norwegian fruit recommendations compared to children in the DM‐group (p < 0.01).
Synthesis, Characterization, and Mechanical Properties of Red Mud–Based Geopolymers
Authors: Zhang Guoping , He Jian , Gambrell Robert P.
Published: October 2010

A pilot study investigates the potential of reusing red mud, an abundant industrial waste produced from alumina refining by the Bayer process, by geopolymerization reactions with another solid waste, fly ash, and sodium silicate. Parameters involved in the synthesis, including red mud to fly ash ratio (values of 80/20, 50/50, and 20/80), presence of sand filler, curing duration (up to 28 days), and sodium silicate solution to solid mixture (consisting of red mud and fly ash) ratio, were examined to understand the extent and degree of geopolymerization. Unconfined compression testing was employed to assess the influence of these synthesis parameters on the mechanical properties of the end products, red mud–based geopolymers. The composition and microstructure were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, respectively, which confirm the geopolymerization reactions. The mechanical properties, including strength, stiffness, and failure strain, were analyzed against the chemical compositions of the red mud geopolymers, such as Si/Al and Na/Si molar ratios. For the studied geopolymers, the unconfined compressive strength, ranging from 7 to 13 MPa, increases with the Si/Al ratio as in some types of portland cement. A higher Na/Si ratio appears to reduce the strength and stiffness but enhance the ductility. The results indicate that red mud geopolymers are a viable cementitious material that can be used in roadway construction. The engineering implications are discussed in terms of waste recycling, environmental benefits, and energy consumption.
Variability in Resilient Modulus of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement as Base Layer and Its Impact on Flexible Pavement Performance
Authors: Attia Mohamed , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: October 2010

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a base layer is gaining popularity, but there are gaps in the literature about its material performance. One problem not well investigated is the variability in the resilient modulus (MR) of RAP as a base layer, as compared with typical granular material, and the impact of this variability on pavement performance. Selection of one MR value has its own variability, beyond the expected variability in the base layer MR that results from the use of aggregates with different qualities. This paper investigates the effect of three sources of variability to determine the base layer resilient modulus in the laboratory for RAP as compared with granular material. The three sources considered were (a) the variability in the material and sample preparation for the MR testing, (b) the constitutive model used to predict the resilient modulus, and (c) the state of stress used to predict the base layer modulus. The study compared the variability of the MR of RAP with the MR of unbound granular materials on the basis of actual test results. The impact of MR variability on the flexible pavement distresses for RAP as compared with granular material was investigated using the Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide.
Modeling the Effect of Moisture on Resilient Modulus of Untreated Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Attia Mohamed , Abdelrahman Magdy
Published: October 2010

The use of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as a base layer is increasing as quality aggregate becomes scarcer and more expensive. Moisture content is known to have a great impact on the resilient modulus (MR) of granular materials, and several researchers have devoted effort to develop and verify analytical models to describe that impact. Limited work has been done to quantify the effect of moisture content on RAP as a base layer. It has not been determined whether the existence of aged binder will allow designers to use the same analytical models developed for granular materials. This study investigated the effect of moisture content on the MR of a base layer that contained RAP, compared the effect of moisture content on RAP with the effect on typical base material, and reviewed the literature to select a model that would analytically predict changes in the MR of untreated RAP as a result of changes in moisture content.
Investigation of the Use of Limestone Screenings in Roadway Construction
Authors: Rupnow T. D. , Schaefer V. R. , White D. J.
Published: October 2010

Disposal of limestone screenings, or limestone fines, creates problems for many quarry operations. Much of the fines is either stockpiled or deposited back into the quarry pit. A laboratory study and pilot project were conducted to determine if limestone screenings could be stabilized and used as a structural layer in road construction and, if so, to evaluate their effectiveness through performance monitoring. Compaction, unconfined compression, freezing and thawing durability, and wet–dry durability tests were performed. Falling weight deflectometer tests were used to compare stiffness differences, and temperature data were used to determine the number of freezing and thawing cycles that each test section underwent. Laboratory compaction and unconfined compression test results confirmed that limestone screenings can be stabilized for use as a structural layer. Freezing and thawing and wet–dry durability test results showed that cement kiln dust (CKD) is not an acceptable stabilizer because of its poor durability performance. Class C fly ash (FA) and CKD mixtures were determined to be acceptable. Test Section 1 (30% CKD) most likely failed due to freeze–thaw action. Visual observations showed good performance of Test Section 2 (15% FA and 15% CKD), and the two control sections showed no rutting or pothole formation.
Interpretation of Shakedown Limit from Multistage Permanent Deformation Tests
Authors: Song Yonghui , Ooi Phillip S. K.
Published: October 2010

A multistage permanent deformation (PD) test of geomaterials is more economical than the single-stage variety. Only one sample must be tested for the former, whereas several tests on multiple samples are required for the latter. Yet no standards exist for this test in the United States, nor is there a generally accepted procedure for determining the deviator stress to separate acceptable from unacceptable behavior in a multistage PD test. On the basis of both single- and multistage PD tests on a virgin aggregate and two recycled materials and their blends, this paper proposes a procedure to identify the material shakedown limit in a multistage PD test. Resilient modulus increases under low deviator stresses and decreases when deviator stresses are high or near failure. When applied to the materials tested, the multistage PD test predicted correctly the behavior of single-stage test samples 78% of the time. To validate the procedure, additional verification and a standard test load sequence are needed. The sequence proposed in NCHRP Report 598 presents a good starting point. The deviator stress intervals should be small enough to allow all three behavioral ranges to be captured and the load frequency low enough for the sample to drain and recover from viscous effects. One more recommendation is to use a confining stress representative of the field pavement section to be studied.
One-pot Synthesis of New Carbamate-Type Molecular Tweezers Derived from Deoxycholic Acid under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Zhao Zhi-Gang , Liu Xing-Li , Chen Yu , Shi Zhi-Chuan
Published: October 2010

A rapid, safe, and efficient method for the preparation of new carbamate type molecular tweezers based on deoxycholic acid was reported. Eleven new molecular tweezers have been synthesised in good yield(91–96%). The structures of these receptors were confirmed by 1H NMR, IR, MS spectra and elemental analysis. These molecular tweezers not only recognised neutral molecules, but also showed good enantioselectivity for D-amino acid methyl esters.
Synthesis, Characterisation and Spectroscopic Studies of Sitting-Atop Adducts of Dimethyl- and Diethyltin(IV) Dichlorides with meso-Tetraalkylporphyrins
Authors: Zabardasti Abedien , Farhadi Saeid , Rahmati Mohammad Hosien
Published: October 2010

The formation of the sitting-atop (SAT) adducts of meso-tetra( n-propyl)porphyrin and meso-tetra( tert-butyl)porphyrin with dimethyl- and diethyltin(IV) dichlorides has been investigated. These adducts have the general formula [(R2SnCl2)2H2T( n-propyl)P] and [(R2SnCl2)2H2T( tert-butyl)P]; [R = Me and Et] and have been characterised by means of 1H NMR, UV-Vis and elemental analysis methods.
The Beneficial Effect of Vanillic Acid on Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Kim Su-Jin , Kim Min-Cheol , Um Jae-Young , Hong Seung-Heon
Published: October 2010

Vanillic acid, an oxidized form of vanillin, is a benzoic acid derivative used as a flavoring agent. The objective of this study was to determine whether vanillic acid has beneficial effects against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis. Our results showed that vanillic acid reduced the severity of the clinical signs of DSS-induced colitis, including weight loss and shortening of colon length, and the disease activity index. The results of this study showed that vanillic acid significantly suppressed the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 and the activation of transcription nuclear factor-kB p65 in DSS-treated colon tissues. In addition, we observed that the plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 were higher in the DSS-treated group than in the control group, but these increased levels were reduced by the administration of vanillic acid. Taken together, these findings suggest that vanillic acid has a beneficial effect on DSS-induced ulcerative colitis, thereby indicating its usefulness in the regulation of chronic intestinal inflammation.
Evaluating Airborne Multispectral Digital Video to Differentiate Giant Salvinia from Other Features in Northeast Texas
Authors: Fletcher Reginald S. , Everitt James H. , Elder Howard S.
Published: October 2010

Giant Salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is one of the world’s most invasive aquatic weeds. We evaluated the accuracy of airborne multispectral digital video imagery for separating giant salvinia from other aquatic and terrestrial features at a study site located in northeast, Texas. The five-band multispectral digital video imagery was subjected to an unsupervised computer analysis to derive a thematic map of the infested area. User’s and producer’s accuracies of the giant salvinia class were 74.6% and 87.2%, respectively. Aerial multispectral digital videography has potential as a remote sensing tool for differentiating giant salvinia from other terrestrial and aquatic features.
Ecological Status and Change by Remote Sensing
Authors: Rocchini Duccio
Published: October 2010

Evaluating ecological patterns and processes is crucial for the conservation of ecosystems [1]. In this view, remote sensing is a powerful tool for monitoring their status and change. This involves several tasks like biodiversity estimate, landscape ecology, and species distribution modeling, to name a few [2]. Due to the difficulties associated with field-based data collection [3], the use of remote sensing for estimating ecological status and change is promising since it provides a synoptic view of an area with a high temporal resolution [4]. Of course in some cases remote sensing should be viewed as a help to plan a field survey rather than a replacement of it. Further, its improper use may lead to pitfalls and misleading results. [...]
Characterization of oil and starch accumulation in tubers of Cyperus esculentus var. sativus (Cyperaceae): A novel model system to study oil reserves in nonseed tissues
Authors: Turesson Helle , Marttila Salla , Gustavsson Karl‐Erik , Hofvander Per , Olsson Marie E. , Bülow Leif , Stymne Sten , Carlsson Anders S.
Published: October 2010

• Premise of the study: Storage oil (triacylglycerol) accumulates in tissues such as the embryo and endosperm of seeds and the fruit mesocarp, but seldom in underground organs. As a rare exception, cultivated variants of yellow nutsedge (Cyperus esculentus) contain high amounts of both oil and starch in the mature tubers.

• Methods: Biochemical analyses and light and electron microscopy were used to study the accumulation patterns of storage nutrients in developing nutsedge tubers.

• Key results: During the initial phase of tuber development, the conducting rhizome tissue is transformed into a storage compartment, then massive storage reserves accumulate in the tuber. At the beginning of tuber development, a large sugar load coincided with the onset of starch accumulation. Oil accumulation started later, concomitant with a substantial drop in the sugar content. Initially, oil accumulated at a lower rate compared to starch, but the rate later increased; after 6 wk, oil made up 24% of tuber dry mass, while starch made up 32%. Protein concentration changed only a small amount throughout this development. Oil and starch accumulated in the same cells throughout the tubers in a sequential fashion during tuber development.

• Conclusions: The developmental pattern in the build up of storage nutrients in the tubers highlights nutsedge as a novel model plant, having potential to significantly widen our understanding on how synthesis of storage reserves, and in particular oils, is regulated and directed in nonseed tissues such as tubers and roots.
IL-31 Receptor (IL-31RA) Knockout Mice Exhibit Elevated Responsiveness to Oncostatin M
Authors: Bilsborough Janine , Mudri Sherri , Chadwick Eric , Harder Brandon , Dillon Stacey R.
Published: October 2010

IL-31 signals through the heterodimeric receptor IL-31RA and oncostatin M receptor (OSMR), and has been linked with the development of atopic dermatitis, a Th2 cytokine-associated disease in humans. However, recent studies of IL-31RA knockout (KO) mice have suggested that IL-31 signaling may be required to negatively regulate Th2 type responses rather than exacerbate them. Because those studies were performed on genetically modified mice, we examined whether neutralizing IL-31 with a specific mAb would give similar results to IL-31RA KO mice in two Th2 cytokine-associated immune models. We report no difference in lymphocyte Th2-type cytokine production after Ag immunization between IL-31RA KO mice, mice treated with the IL-31 mAb, or control animals. Second, we tested whether the absence of the IL-31RA subunit in IL-31RA KO mice may allow for increased pairing of the OSMR subunit with another cytokine receptor, gp130, resulting in overrepresentation of the heterodimeric receptor for OSM and increased responsiveness to OSM protein. We found that intranasal OSM challenge of IL-31RA KO mice resulted in increased IL-6 and vascular endothelial growth factor production in the lung compared with wild-type littermate control animals. Moreover, PBS-challenged IL-31RA KO mice already had increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, which were further increased by OSM challenge. These data imply that IL-31RA–deficient mice produce increased levels of OSM-inducible cytokines during airway sensitization and challenge, which may be the driving force behind the apparent exacerbation of Th2-type inflammatory responses previously observed in these mice.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Prevent Type 1 Diabetes in Murine Models
Authors: Yin Bingjiao , Ma Ge , Yen Chun-Yu , Zhou Zuping , Wang George X. , Divino Celia M. , Casares Sofia , Chen Shu-Hsia , Yang Wen-Chin , Pan Ping-Ying
Published: October 2010

Effective immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) relies on active induction of peripheral tolerance. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) play a critical role in suppressing immune responses in various pathologic settings via multiple mechanisms, including expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs). In this study, we investigated whether MDSCs could act as APCs to induce expansion of Ag-specific Tregs, suppress T cell proliferation, and prevent autoimmune T1D development. We found that MDSC-mediated expansion of Tregs and T cell suppression required MHC-dependent Ag presentation. A murine T1D model was established in INS-HA/RAG−/− mice in which animals received CD4-HA-TCR transgenic T cells via adoptive transfer. We found a significant reduction in the incidence of diabetes in recipients receiving MDSC plus HA, but not OVA peptide, leading to 75% diabetes-free mice among the treated animals. To test further whether MDSCs could prevent diabetes onset in NOD mice, nondiabetic NOD/SCID mice were injected with inflammatory T cells from diabetic NOD mice. MDSCs significantly prevented diabetes onset, and 60% of MDSC-treated mice remained diabetes free. The pancreata of treated mice showed significantly lower levels of lymphocyte infiltration in islet and less insulitis compared with that of the control groups. The protective effects of MDSCs might be mediated by inducing anergy in autoreactive T cells and the development of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ Tregs. Thist study demonstrates a remarkable capacity of transferred MDSCs to downregulate Ag-specific autoimmune responses and prevent diabetes onset, suggesting that MDSCs possess great potential as a novel cell-based tolerogenic therapy in the control of T1D and other autoimmune diseases.
Cutting Edge: A Critical Functional Role for IL-23 in Psoriasis
Authors: Tonel Giulia , Conrad Curdin , Laggner Ute , Di Meglio Paola , Grys Katarzyna , McClanahan Terrill K. , Blumenschein Wendy M. , Qin Jian-Zhong , Xin Hong , Oldham Elizabeth , Kastelein Robert , Nickoloff Brian J. , Nestle Frank O.
Published: October 2010

Interleukin-23 is a key cytokine involved in the generation of Th17 effector cells. Clinical efficacy of an anti-p40 mAb blocking both IL-12 and IL-23 and disease association with single nucleotide polymorphisms in the IL23R gene raise the question of a functional role of IL-23 in psoriasis. In this study, we provide a comprehensive analysis of IL-23 and its receptor in psoriasis and demonstrate its functional importance in a disease-relevant model system. The expression of IL-23 and its receptor was increased in the tissues of patients with psoriasis. Injection of a mAb specifically neutralizing human IL-23 showed IL-23–dependent inhibition of psoriasis development comparable to the use of anti-TNF blockers in a clinically relevant xenotransplant mouse model of psoriasis. Together, our results identify a critical functional role for IL-23 in psoriasis and provide the rationale for new treatment strategies in chronic epithelial inflammatory disorders.
Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry through ORAI1 Is Critical for T Cell-Mediated Autoimmunity and Allograft Rejection
Authors: McCarl Christie-Ann , Khalil Sara , Ma Jian , Oh-hora Masatsugu , Yamashita Megumi , Roether Jens , Kawasaki Takumi , Jairaman Amit , Sasaki Yoshiteru , Prakriya Murali , Feske Stefan
Published: October 2010

ORAI1 is the pore-forming subunit of the Ca2+ release-activated Ca2+ (CRAC) channel, which is responsible for store-operated Ca2+ entry in lymphocytes. A role for ORAI1 in T cell function in vivo has been inferred from in vitro studies of T cells from human immunodeficient patients with mutations in ORAI1 and Orai1−/− mice, but a detailed analysis of T cell-mediated immune responses in vivo in mice lacking functional ORAI1 has been missing. We therefore generated Orai1 knock-in mice (Orai1KI/KI) expressing a nonfunctional ORAI1-R93W protein. Homozygosity for the equivalent ORAI1-R91W mutation abolishes CRAC channel function in human T cells resulting in severe immunodeficiency. Homozygous Orai1KI/KI mice die neonatally, but Orai1KI/KI fetal liver chimeric mice are viable and show normal lymphocyte development. T and B cells from Orai1KI/KI mice display severely impaired store-operated Ca2+ entry and CRAC channel function resulting in a strongly reduced expression of several key cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-17, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Cell-mediated immune responses in vivo that depend on Th1, Th2, and Th17 cell function were severely attenuated in ORAI1-deficient mice. Orai1KI/KI mice lacked detectable contact hypersensitivity responses and tolerated skin allografts significantly longer than wild-type mice. In addition, T cells from Orai1KI/KI mice failed to induce colitis in an adoptive transfer model of inflammatory bowel disease. These findings reaffirm the critical role of ORAI1 for T cell function and provide important insights into the in vivo functions of CRAC channels for T cell-mediated immunity.
Domain V Peptides Inhibit β2-Glycoprotein I-Mediated Mesenteric Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Tissue Damage and Inflammation
Authors: Fleming Sherry D. , Pope Michael R. , Hoffman Sara M. , Moses Tiffany , Bukovnik Urska , Tomich John M. , Wagner Lynn M. , Woods Keith M.
Published: October 2010

Reperfusion of ischemic tissue induces significant tissue damage in multiple conditions, including myocardial infarctions, stroke, and transplantation. Although not as common, the mortality rate of mesenteric ischemia/reperfusion (IR) remains >70%. Although complement and naturally occurring Abs are known to mediate significant damage during IR, the target Ags are intracellular molecules. We investigated the role of the serum protein, β2-glycoprotein I as an initiating Ag for Ab recognition and β2-glycoprotein I (β2-GPI) peptides as a therapeutic for mesenteric IR. The time course of β2-GPI binding to the tissue indicated binding and complement activation within 15 min postreperfusion. Treatment of wild-type mice with peptides corresponding to the lipid binding domain V of β2-GPI blocked intestinal injury and inflammation, including cellular influx and cytokine and eicosanoid production. The optimal therapeutic peptide (peptide 296) contained the lysine-rich region of domain V. In addition, damage and most inflammation were also blocked by peptide 305, which overlaps with peptide 296 but does not contain the lysine-rich, phospholipid-binding region. Importantly, peptide 296 retained efficacy after replacement of cysteine residues with serine. In addition, infusion of wild-type serum containing reduced levels of anti–β2-GPI Abs into Rag-1−/− mice prevented IR-induced intestinal damage and inflammation. Taken together, these data suggest that the serum protein β2-GPI initiates the IR-induced intestinal damage and inflammatory response and as such is a critical therapeutic target for IR-induced damage and inflammation.
Commentary on "Expansions for Eigenfunctions and Eigenvalues of large-$n$ Toeplitz Matrices"
Authors: Ehrhardt Torsten
Published: October 2010

A Commentary on the paper by L. P. Kadanoff [Pap. Phys. 2, 020003 (2010)].Received: 29 September 2010, Accepted: 4 October 2010; Edited by: A. G. Green; DOI: 10.4279/PIP.020004
Prognostic Factors and Therapeutic Strategies of Thyroid Carcinomas Originating from Follicular Cells
Authors: Miyauchi Akira , Ito Yasuhiro
Published: October 2010

There are three types of thyroid carcinoma originating from follicular cells, papillary carcinoma (PTC), follicular carcinoma (FTC) and anaplastic carcinoma (ATC). PTC and FTC have generally indolent nature but ATC, which is believed to arise from PTC and FTC, are very progressive and display a dire prognosis. PTC and FTC are called differentiated carcinoma and regarded as a single group, but biological characteristics of these two types of carcinoma significantly differ. PTC frequently metastasizes to the regional lymph nodes and FTC generally metastasizes to distant organs such as the lung and bone. Most PTC can be diagnosed on preoperative imaging studies and fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and can be treated as malignancy. However, it is difficult to diagnose FTC preoperatively and most FTC are diagnosed on postoperative pathological examination. In this review, we describe prognostic factors of PTC and FTC and their therapeutic strategies. Furthermore, recent advances of treatment for ATC are also described.
Usefulness of Positron Emission Tomography for Characterization of the Indeterminate Adrenal Tumor
Authors: Elaraj Dina M , Sturgeon Cord
Published: October 2010

Incidental adrenal masses are common, with most representing benign, nonfunctional cortical adenomas. The diagnostic approach should consist of a biochemical evaluation for hormonal hypersecretion, as well as an assessment of the risk of malignancy (primary adrenal cancer vs metastasis from another site). The size and appearance of the adrenal tumor on imaging studies are critical to management decisions. Computed tomography (CT) or T1 weighted chemical shift magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can usually diagnose a cortical adenoma based on characteristics related to intracellular lipid content. However, 30% of cortical adenomas are lipid-poor, and will be classified as indeterminate on CT or MRI. Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) is a useful method of further characterizing an indeterminate adrenal mass, particularly in an oncology patient in whom identification of an adrenal metastasis will affect disease stage and therapy. FDG-PET has been found to have a sensitivity of 93 to 100% and a specificity of 70 to 100% for the identification of an adrenal malignancy in both oncology and non-oncology patient populations. Indications for adrenalectomy include all functional adrenal tumors, known or suspected primary adrenal cancers that appear resectable, adrenal tumors > 4 cm, and isolated adrenal metastases.
Tattooing as Alternative Therapy for Goiter
Authors: Chand Gyan , Reddy Sagili Vijaya Bhaskar , Bharani Tanmay , Singh Deependra
Published: October 2010

Goitre is an ancient art form being practiced world over for various reasons. We report a case where tattoo marking was used as a form of therapy for goitre. Tattoo therapy had failed to provide any benefit to the patient who later underwent total thyroidectomy with good post operative recovery
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy without Probing: Surgical Outcome
Authors: LNU Rijuneeta , Gupta Ashok K
Published: October 2010

Ninety-eight cases of nasolacrimal duct obstruction including 6 bilateral cases were included in the study done at Postgraduate Institute of Medical Research, Chandigarh. All the cases had been divided into three groups with Group I including cases in which 12 endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with dilatation and probing and stent insertion were performed. In Group II, 23 Endo DCR performed with intraoperative dilatation and probing but no stent insertion. Group III included 69 cases of Endo DCR without dilatation and probing and no stent insertion. Overall success rate was found to be 94.3% with Group III cases having a success rate of 97.1% and was found statistically significant on comparing with that of Group II (p value: 0.03).
Four Cases of Ossifying Fibromas: A Rural Medical College Hospital Experience
Authors: Naik Sudhir
Published: October 2010

Background

Ossifying fibroma is an uncommon tumor of the craniofacial skeleton presenting in several variant histopathological subtypes. Ossifying fibroma is a benign fibro-osseous lesion that commonly involves the maxilla.1 Ossifying fibromas occur predominantly in women, frequently during the 3rd and 4th decades of life.1 The overlapping clinical and histopathological features of these subtypes have led to diagnostic dilemma and confusion.1 Complete excision of this tumor has become a necessity since it is notorious for recurrence.1

Aims

To study and compare the clinical profiles of various types of ossifying fibroma and also the surgical approaches to the tumor. To discuss the diagnostic difficulties and controversies associated with the tumor.

Setting

Medical college referral hospital.

Design

Case reports of 4 patients presenting to our medical college OPD.

Methods

Planned surgical excision based on criteria.

Results

Four cases of different types of ossifying fibroma were successfully treated by various surgical approaches. 42 papers related to diagnostic and treatment aspects of ossifying fibroma were studied.

Conclusion

The diagnostic dilemma of ossifying fibroma can be overcome with a combination of clinical, radiological and pathological criteria. Complete surgical excision of the tumor is possible when surgery is based on preplanned criteria. Combination of 2 or more surgical approaches may be necessary in many cases in order to ensure complete clearance and prevent recurrence of the tumor.
Sino-orbital Lymphoma: Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Joshi Kusum , Kumar Narinder
Published: October 2010

The orbit is involved in 10% of all lymphomas. Paranasal sinuses and nose are other sites for extranodal lymphoma that are involved in upto 2.6 to 6.7% of lymphomas involving head and neck region and are second most common presentation of extranodal lymphoma. In nearly 22.5% of patients, sinonasal lymphoma and orbital lymphoma may coexist. The present report describes such patient with first presentation to an ophthalmologist with an attempt to review the present literature of coexistent orbital and paranasal sinuses lymphoma.
Capillary Hemangioma of the Maxillary Sinus: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Mohan Harsh , Singh Charanjit
Published: October 2010

Capillary hemangioma of the maxillary sinus is a rare entity. It commonly presents as a sinonasal mass with nasal obstruction, intermittent epistaxis and occasionally as a cheek swelling. Computed tomography and angiography assist in making a correct diagnosis. Biopsy is not usually recommended as it can cause profuse bleeding and may yield false results. Selective arterial embolization followed by surgical resection forms the mainstay of treatment.
Rhinolith: A Case Report
Authors: Singh Ishwar , Gupta Bulbul , LNU Sridevi
Published: October 2010

Rhinolithiasis is an uncommon condition but attract attention because they can be confused with both benign and malignant nasal tumors. We report a case of incidental finding of a rhinolith for a patient being taken up for septoplasty.
Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy: Our Experience
Authors: Suligavi Shashidhar S , Chougule SS , Doddamani SS , Hiremath CS
Published: October 2010

Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy is an established surgery for nasolacrimal duct block. We did a prospective study to evaluate the results and advantages. All the 90 patients underwent endoscopic DCR and 26 patients had septoplasty simultaneously. Postoperative evaluation of patency and relief of symptoms was done up to 6th month. Our study concludes that endoscopic. DCR is a safe, simple procedure with a better success rate and fewer complications along with review of literature.
Nasal Septal Abscess: A Retrospective Study of 20 Cases in KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia
Authors: Naik Sudhir , Naik Sudhir M
Published: October 2010

Objective

Twenty patients who presented to the ENT, head and neck department with nasal septal abscess were retrospectively studied.

Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

KVG Medical College and Hospital, Sullia.

Study period

January 2006 to June 2010 (54 months)

Patients

Twenty patients (17 males and 3 females), aged between 7 to 45 years (average age 25.25 years), with nasal septal abscess were studied.

Intervention

All patients were admitted and posted for emergency incision and drainage under antibiotic cover. In 13 cases the destroyed septal cartilage was repaired with autologous conchal cartilage in the same sitting of incision and drainage. In two cases the same procedure was done in two different sittings.

Results

Sixteen patients were implanted autologous conchal cartilage at time of incision and drainage and most of them doing well at 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

Nasal septal abscess promptly treated under antibiotic cover total reconstruction of abscess-induced destruction of nasal septal cartilage with patients own conchal cartilage grafts so far, resulted in normal dorsum of the nose being retained during follow-up.
Bacteriological Study of Chronic Maxillary Sinusitis with Special Reference to Anaerobes
Authors: Suligavi Shashidhar S , Gokale Shilpa K
Published: October 2010

Aspirates from 50 chronically inflamed maxillary sinuses were processed for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Bacterial growth was present in 48 (96%) specimens. There were 110 bacterial isolates (2.2/specimen). Forty of the isolates were aerobic or facultative organisms (0.8/ specimen). The predominant aerobic or facultative organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CNS),S. pneumoniae, E. coli, H. influenzae and P. aeruginosa. Seventy anaerobes were isolated (1.4/specimen), Prevotella spp, Peptostreptococcus spp., Porphyromonas spp. and bacteroides spp. being predominant. These findings illustrate the presence of polymicrobial aerobic-anaerobic flora in patients with chronic maxillary sinusitis.
Nasal Polyposis-Surgical Treatment: How Successful?
Authors: Soni Arvind
Published: October 2010

Endoscopic sinus surgery is recommended when the medical treatment fails. To ensure a successful surgical outcome, one needs to have a good radiological back up in form of axial, coronal and sagittal reconstruction, hypotensive anethesia and powered instruments.
Rhino-orbital Aspergillosis: Changing Trends in the Management?
Authors: Gupta Anuragini , Chopra Aditi , Raj Anoop
Published: October 2010

Purpose

To analyze the results of oral voriconazole following optimum management protocol for invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis.

Methods

It was a prospective study wherein all immunocompetent cases with a final histopathological diagnosis of invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis were included from a period between Jan 2007 till Dec 2009. All cases were evaluated clinically and radiologically for the condition and were classified into four groups on clinical and radiological basis. All cases were subjected to endonasal endoscopic biopsy and were subjected as per the optimum management protocol. These were then followed up for a period ranging from 6 months to 3 years clinically, endoscopically and radiologically.

Results

There were 15 cases enrolled for the study. There were 10 males and 5 females with age ranging from 14 to 43 years. The most common sign was proptosis. The cases in each group were subjected to the treatment protocol decided for the group. Residual disease was seen in 2 cases (13.34%) and recurrence was seen in 1 case (6.67%). One patient (6.67%) died of disease in our series.

Conclusion

Invasive sino-orbital aspergillosis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In our study, voriconazole was found to drastically improve the outcome of sino-orbital aspergillosis.
Treatment of Primary Scleral Maltoma: A Technical Challenge for Radiation Oncologist
Authors: Khosla Divya , Vasishta Rakesh Kumar , Sharma Suresh C
Published: October 2010

We present a case of 53 years old male who developed reddish thickening on sclera and was diagnosed as scleral maltoma after investigations. Primary scleral involvement remains only a theoretical possibility and has never been documented in literature except for one odd case report where orbital lymphoma was misdiagnosed as scleritis but later proved to be of conjunctival origin by histology.1 This case report has been brought up to highlight the technical challenges faced in planning and execution of external radiation therapy in primary scleral lymphoma.
Extranasopharyngeal Angiofibroma from the Nasal Septum: A Case Report and a Minireview
Authors: Singh PP , Gupta Neelima , Vaid Lakshmi , Chugh Neeru
Published: October 2010

Extranasopharyngeal angiofibromas are rare tumors with only 65 cases being reported in the world literature. The most common sites involved are maxillary sinus, ethmoid sinus, sphenoid sinus, nasal septum, middle turbinate, inferior turbinate, cheek, conjunctiva, pterygomaxillary fissure, infratemporal fossa and laryngotracheal tree. We report on a case of 18 years old male patient of extranasopharyngeal angiofibroma of nasal septum.
Giant Cell Reparative Granuloma (Central) of Maxilla: Case Report and Review
Authors: Bist SS , Varshney Saurabh , Bhavna Kranti
Published: October 2010

Term Giant Cell Reparative Granuloma (GCRG) a non-neoplastic lesion characterized by a proliferation of granulation tissue containing numerous multinucleated giant cells was introduced by Jaffe in 1953 to describe an apparently reactive intraosseous lesion of the mandible and maxilla following trauma induced intraosseous hemorrhage. It is a disease of the young presenting as a painless swelling in the anterior jaw. It appears on radiology as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucency with a characteristic tendency of resorbing the root tips of adjacent unerupted teeth. A central giant cell granuloma of the maxilla is presented, which was diagnosed in a seventeen-year-old male and surgically treated.
Successful MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound Uterine Fibroid Treatment Despite an Ostomy and Significant Abdominal Wall Scarring
Authors: Machtinger Ronit , Tempany Clare M. C. , Kanan Roddy Angela , Fennessy Fiona M.
Published: October 2010

We present a case of successful magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) of a uterine fibroid in a patient with extensive anterior abdominal wall surgical scars from two longitudinal laparotomies, a total colectomy and ileostomy. This case demonstrates that MRgFUS can be safely used in patients with an ostomy and significant abdominal wall scarring, but careful pretreatment planning and positioning during treatment is needed.
Combined Vaccines Against COVID-19, Flu, and Other Respiratory Illnesses Could Soon Be Available
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: May 2024

This Medical News story discusses the development of experimental combination vaccines for adults.