bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The development of a rat model to investigate the formation of blast-related post-traumatic heterotopic ossification
Authors: Polfer E. M. , Hope D. N. , Elster E. A. , Qureshi A. T. , Davis T. A. , Golden D. , Potter B. K. , Forsberg J. A.
Published: March 2015

Currently, there is no animal model in which to evaluate the underlying physiological processes leading to the heterotopic ossification (HO) which forms in most combat-related and blast wounds. We sought to reproduce the ossification that forms under these circumstances in a rat by emulating patterns of injury seen in patients with severe injuries resulting from blasts. We investigated whether exposure to blast overpressure increased the prevalence of HO after transfemoral amputation performed within the zone of injury. We exposed rats to a blast overpressure alone (BOP-CTL), crush injury and femoral fracture followed by amputation through the zone of injury (AMP-CTL) or a combination of these (BOP-AMP). The presence of HO was evaluated using radiographs, micro-CT and histology. HO developed in none of nine BOP-CTL, six of nine AMP-CTL, and in all 20 BOP-AMP rats. Exposure to blast overpressure increased the prevalence of HO.

This model may thus be used to elucidate cellular and molecular pathways of HO, the effect of varying intensities of blast overpressure, and to evaluate new means of prophylaxis and treatment of heterotopic ossification.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:572–6
Expression of Thyroid Hormone Receptors in Villous Trophoblasts and Decidual Tissue at Protein and mRNA Levels Is Downregulated in Spontaneous and Recurrent Miscarriages
Authors: Ziegelmüller Brigitte , Vattai Aurelia , Kost Bernd , Kuhn Christina , Hofmann Simone , Bayer Birgit , Toth Bettina , Jeschke Udo , Ditsch Nina
Published: March 2015

Thyroid hormones are essential for the maintenance of pregnancy, and a deficiency in maternal thyroid hormones has been associated with early pregnancy losses. The expression of THRα1, THRβ1 and THRα2 increases with gestational age. The aim of this study was the investigation of the protein and mRNA-levels of THR isoforms THRα1, THRα2, THRβ1 and THRβ2 in normal, spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages. The identification of THR-expressing cells in the decidua was done with double immunofluorescence. The nuclear expression of THRα1, THRα2, THRβ1 and THRβ2 is downregulated at protein level in spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages in villous trophoblast tissue. In decidual tissue, we found a significant downregulation only for THRα1 in spontaneous miscarriages. For recurrent miscarriages, THRα1 and THRβ1 were both significantly downregulated in decidual tissue. By applying HLA-G as a trophoblast marker, we found a significant co-expression only for THRβ2. The results of our study show that thyroid hormone receptors THRα1, THRα2, THRβ1 and THRβ2 are downregulated in spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages. The majority of cells expressing the thyroid hormone receptors in the decidua are decidual stromal cells.
Chongqing Museums after the Upheaval: Exhibitions in the Wake of the Three Gorges Dam Migrations
Authors: Le Mentec Katiana
Published: March 2015

In the past twenty years, the Chongqing Municipality in China has experienced major social and territorial transformations. Created in 1997 as an autonomous administrative entity, it was partly formed to address the massive migration caused by the building of the Three Gorges Dam. This article explores how museums in the municipality’s cities of Chongqing, Wanzhou and Yunyang were developed after the Dam’s disruptions. Extensive ethnographic fieldwork identified the museum techniques that aimed to cope with the recent changes. Innovations included presentations of the pain suffered by migrants, and the reinvention of regional history based on former migrations and an ancient kingdom elevated to serve as the cradle of Chongqing culture.
Web Review
Authors: Smith Matthew Ryan
Published: March 2015

Performative Appropriation of Video Art on YouTube, Vimeo and Dailymotion
Terms of Encounter: The ’85 New Wave and France, Magiciens de la Terre and Chine Demain pour Hier
Authors: Pocock Melanie
Published: March 2015

This article focuses on the encounters and exchanges between French and Chinese artists, art critics and curators from 1985–90 and their impact on the development of two important presentations of the ’85 New Wave movement in France: Magiciens de la Terre (1989) and Chine Demain pour Hier (1990). Drawing on interviews with French and Chinese artists, critics and curators, it argues how the politics of intercultural encounters influenced the curatorial frameworks of both these exhibitions. Such politics ranged from the conditions of artistic exchanges between France and China initiated under French cultural policies to issues of linguistic and cultural translation.
The Art of Diplomacy: The Role of Exhibitions in the Development of Taiwan–China Relations
Authors: McIntyre Sophie
Published: March 2015

In 2009 and 2011, Taiwan’s premier public art museum, the Taipei Fine Arts Museum presented two major solo exhibitions by prominent Chinese artists Cai Guo-Qiang and Ai Weiwei. These exhibitions signified a critical juncture in museological practice in Taiwan and they were closely aligned with the Taiwan government’s mission to develop closer ties with China. This article investigates the role of art in the development of cross-strait relations, including how it is being deployed by governments on both sides as a vehicle for soft power, as well as some of the political agendas that influenced and shaped exhibitions of Chinese art in Taiwan. By exploring issues of representation and reception, this article considers how the local art community is responding to Taiwan’s rapprochement with China, and to the growing visibility of Chinese art in its museums.
International Curatorial Practice and the Problematic De-territorialization of the ‘Identity’ Show: Deconstructing the Third Guangzhou Triennial, Farewell to Post-Colonialism
Authors: Gladston Paul
Published: March 2015

The Third Guangzhou Triennial, Farewell to Post-Colonialism (2008) was intended as a return to a searching deconstructivist critique of the relationship between identity and social inequality. This article seeks to problematize that intended significance by drawing attention to ways in which the position adopted by the curators of the exhibition was rendered critically ineffective as a result of the de-territorializing effects of localized discursive restrictions on public display and discussion. In reconsidering the international ‘identity’ show more generally, attention will be drawn towards the necessity of a renewed deconstructive attention not only to specific instances of cultural dominance, but also relationships between curatorial practices and their particular discursive contexts.
Are Teachers Crucial for Academic Achievement? Finland Educational Success in a Comparative Perspective
Authors: Andere Eduardo
Published: March 2015

Teachers are seen as the main reason behind the high, equal, and consistent student performance in Finland as measured by the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), and there is a lot of truth in this. Candidates for teacher training programs are selected through a rigorous process, for example. However, using primarily the case of Finland, this paper seeks to show that factors beyond the quality of teachers are also involved in explaining high performance on international standardized tests by students around the world. The policy of attracting high-caliber students and providing high-quality preservice training, suggested by organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and McKinsey & Company, does not necessarily seem to be related to high student performance in all countries.
Umwelt und Gesundheit ‐ Ökologie der Person im Anthropozän
Authors: Franz-Balsen Angela , Göpel Eberhard , Tretter Christine , Tretter Felix
Published: March 2015

Mit der Themenwahl Umwelt und Gesundheit für ihre Tagung zum 40-jährigen Jubiläum kehrt die DGH zu ihren Ursprüngen zurück. Trotz theoretischer Fortschritte in der Humanökologie und zunehmender Anerkennung umweltmedizinischer Forschung ist der wissenschaftliche
und gesundheitspolitische Handlungsbedarf groß.
The Role of Photovoltaics in Energy Transition ‐ Assessing the Prospects for a Regime Shift
Authors: Reinsberger Kathrin , Brudermann Thomas , Posch Alfred
Published: March 2015

Photovoltaics is still a niche technology, accounting for a low proportion of electricity generation. Combining an analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) with the analytic hierarchy process, we discuss the prospects and challenges relating to photovoltaics
in Austria, when attempting to move from a niche level to a regime level change in energy transition. In carrying out this hybrid method, a set of pre-defined SWOT factors were judged by experts by means of pairwise comparisons. As results reveal, strengths and opportunities outweigh weaknesses
and threats. According to the experts, financial and technological considerations dominate over environmental and social issues. Hence, characteristics such as rapid reduction in module costs, technological progress and low economies of scale imply that significant promise may be assigned
to photovoltaics in terms of its expected contribution to the transformation of our energy system.
Intergenic Spacer Length Variability in Cultivated, Weedy and Wild Rye Species
Authors: Skuza L. , Filip E. , Szućko I.
Published: March 2015

Non-coding rDNA spacers (IGS) can vary
substantially in size due to differences in the number of
repetitive elements among closely related species. Three
pairs of universal primers were used in this study for the
amplification of non-coding regions of ribosomal (rRNA)
IGS. The amplified IGS products obtained from 19 Secale
accessions, which included both cultivated and noncultivated
rye and which represented three species and
four subspecies of the genus Secale, showed a high level
of polymorphism. The PCR results were characterized by
multiple bands (1-6), different sizes (750bp-3250bp) and
100% polymorphism. Cluster analysis using the neighborjoining
method based on the Dice’s coefficient of genetic
similarity showed a division of the studied species into
two similarity groups. All the studied Secale cereale
ssp. cereale were found to belong to the same similarity
group. The variation in the size of the IGS among the
species which was detected in this study could be due to
dissimilarity between the sequences of their respective
repetitive elements or between their tandem repeat
numbers. The highly interspecific polymorphisms for the
rDNA IGS regions suggested that IGS might be a useful
molecular marker in studies of Secale species.
Proteomic proof that a probiotic elevates
glutathione level in human serum
Authors: Rehema Aune , Kullisaar Tiiu , Seer Kärt , Reinmann Kristen , Zilmer Mihkel , Kilk Kalle
Published: March 2015

Lactobacillus fermentum ME-3 (LfME-3) has been
proven to synthesize and secrete glutathione. A regular
use of the foods fermented by it has shown a favourable
influence on human lipid profiles and several antioxidant
parameters. We administered the LfME-3-fermented kefir
for 14 days to 43 human subjects and evaluated their serum
with MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer at the beginning and
end of the test period. We found an increase of the peak at
m/z 308 (corresponding to glutathione) and a new peak
at m/z 1467.
Novel association of FCGR2A polymorphism with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and development of a novel CFH real-time genotyping method
Authors: Velissari Aliki , Skalidakis Iosif , Oliveira Samantha C. , Koutsandrea Chryssanthi , Kitsos George , Petersen Michael B. , Kroupis Christos
Published: March 2015

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a degenerative ocular disease, which may lead to loss of central vision. In Caucasian populations, a strong correlation has been established with polymorphism Y402H (rs1061170) in the complement factor H gene (

DNAs were extracted from blood samples of 120 patients with the severe wet form of AMD and 103 age- and sex-matched controls, all of whom were clinically evaluated. A real-time PCR and melting curve analysis method for Y402H genotyping was developed in the LightCycler platform, after in silico design of appropriate primers and probes. Genotyping for H131R was performed using a real-time PCR method previously described by our group.

The novel genotyping method for Y402H in the

The present study confirmed the association between
Sesbania sesban L. biomass as a novel adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution: non-linear and error analysis
Authors: Hashem Ali , Badawy Sayed M.
Published: March 2015

In the present study, we reported the feasibility of the
Preparation of cysteine adducts by regioselective ring-opening reactions of phenyloxirane
Authors: Moulisová Alena , Linhart Igor
Published: March 2015

Regioselective ring-opening reactions of phenyloxirane by protected cysteine are described, which enable the synthesis of pure regioisomeric cysteine adducts required for bioanalytical studies on adducts of protein with styrene. The reaction catalyzed by tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane proceeds regioselectively and stereospecifically to give protected S-(2-hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)cysteine (α-adduct) with the inversion of configuration at the α-carbon. By contrast, when the same reaction is catalyzed by tetraalkylammonium fluorides, S-(2-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)cysteine (β-adduct) is formed predominantly, and a compete racemization is observed.
Nitrosyl–heme and anion–arene complexes: structure, reactivity and spectroscopy
Authors: Crestoni Maria Elisa , Chiavarino Barbara , Fornarini Simonetta
Published: March 2015

Two topics are selected and illustrated to exemplify (i) a biological and (ii) an organic ionic intermediate. The reactivity behavior of NO adducts with ferric and ferrous hemes has shown remarkable similarities when examined in the gas phase, demonstrating that the largely different NO affinity displayed in solution and in biological media is due to the different coordination environment. In fact, ferrous hemes present a vacant or highly labile axial coordination site, prone to readily bind NO. The vibrational signatures of the NO ligand have also been probed in vacuo for the first time in the nitrosyl complexes deriving from ferrous and ferric hemes under strictly comparable five-coordination at the metal center. Negatively charged σ-adducts, from the association of anions with 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, an exemplary π-electron-deficient arene, have been probed by IRMPD spectroscopy and found to display variable binding motifs from a strongly covalent σ-adduct (Meisenheimer complex) to a weakly covalent σ-complex, depending on the anion basicity.
Effect of Rotor Diameter on the Thermal Stresses of a Turbine Rotor Model
Authors: Dávalos J. O. , García J. C. , Urquiza G. , Castro-Gómez L. L. , Rodríguez J. A. , De Santiago O.
Published: March 2015

Thermal stresses in a simplified steam turbine rotor model during a cold startup are analyzed using finite element analysis (FEA). In order to validate the numerical model, an experimental array is developed in which a hollow cylinder is heated with hot air in the external surface. At the thick wall of the cylinder, temperature distribution is measured in real time, while at the same time an algorithm computes thermal stresses. Additional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations are made to obtain magnitudes of velocity and pressure in order to compute convective heat transfer coefficient. The experimental results show good agreement with the FEA computations. To evaluate the effect of rotor diameter size, FEA computations with variation in external and internal diameters are performed. Results show that thermal stresses are proportional to rotor diameter size. Also, zones of higher stress concentration are found in the external and internal surfaces of the rotor.
Effect of Al substitution on Thermoelectric Performance of CuInTe2 compounds
Authors: Hu Chuandeng , Peng Kunling , Wang Guiwen , Guo Lijie , Wang Guoyu , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: March 2015

Thermoelectric CuIn1-xAlxTe2 compounds (x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.50) have been synthesized by solid state reaction followed by spark plasma sintering. The influence of Al substitution on electrical and thermal transport properties has been investigated in the CuInTe2 compounds. It was found that the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity is reduced by isovalent replacement of In with Al. Our first principle calculation indicates Al substitution leads to the widen band gap, the reduction in the number of degeneracy of valence band and the effective mass. Furthermore, a large reduction in thermal conductivity is achieved through the enhanced phonon scattering via point defect as well as the nano-sized particles observed between grain boundaries and on the grain surface. In spite of the reduced charge transport properties, an improved figure-of- merit ZT is achieved, reaching 0.8 at 800 K, 33% higher in comparison to the pure CuInTe2 compound.
Key Phenomena Governing HLW Glass Behavior in the French Deep Geological Disposal
Authors: Schumacher Stéphan , Martin Christelle , Linard Yannick , Angeli Frédéric , Neff Delphine , Abdelouas Abdesselam , Crozes Xavier
Published: March 2015

According to the Planning Act of 28th June 2006, Andra is in charge of ensuring the sustainable management of all radioactive waste generated in France, especially the high-level and long-lived vitrified waste produced from spent fuel recycling.

Since 2006, all the studies and research related to the components of HLW cells have been incorporated into a broader R&D program which aims at characterizing and modeling (i) the glass matrix dissolution, (ii) the corrosion of the overpack and the lining, and (iii) the claystone evolution in the near field, considering all the interactions between these surrounding materials. This program, coordinated by Andra, has involved up to eighteen laboratories.

After closure of disposal cells and overpack failure, glass alteration is expected to begin in partially saturated conditions due to hydrogen production resulting from carbon steel corrosion in anoxic conditions. Therefore, the glass should at least partially be hydrated by water vapor during thousands of years until complete saturation. A part of the studies aimed to determine the glass behavior in such conditions, the influence of the main parameters (temperature, relative humidity) and consequences of vapor hydration on subsequent radionuclides release by water leaching.

In addition, the major part of the work focused on the influence of the environment on glass alteration. The effect of clay pore water on glass alteration rates (initial rate, rate drop and residual rate) was determined and particularly that of pH and magnesium. The nature of steel corrosion products and their interactions with glass alteration were also investigated. All these studies relied on experiments in surface laboratories, in Andra’s underground laboratory, together with natural or archeological analogs and modeling studies.
Monitoring the Electrochemical Response of Chloride Sensors Embedded in Cement Paste
Authors: Pargar F. , Koleva D.A. , Koenders E.A.B. , van Breugel K.
Published: March 2015

This work presents the electrochemical behavior of Ag/AgCl electrodes (chloride sensors) in cement paste environment, monitored over a period of 180 days via open circuit potential (OCP) readings and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The EIS response indicates modification of the sensors’ morphology, in particular alteration of the AgCl layers, as a result of continuous chloride penetration into the bulk matrix towards the vicinity of the sensor/cement paste interface. A gradual shift to more cathodic OCP values and stabilization at approximately -1mVSCE to 2mVSCE was observed at the end of the test, reflecting chloride content of 820mM to 930mM in the pore solution surrounding the sensors, which differs 5-10% from the chloride concentration in the external solution. The water soluble chloride content in the cement pate, as destructively measured wet chemically by Volhard method and photometry, was in the range of 1100mM - 1300mM i.e. about 30-50% more than the chloride concentration in the external solution. This difference of maximum 50% in the recorded chloride levels is attributed to the fact that the sensors “read” the average amount of free chloride at the interface sensor/cement paste, while the destructively measured water soluble chloride reflects the average free (with possible contribution of physically bound chloride) in the total volume of analyzed cement paste. It can be concluded that for the conditions of this experiment, more reliable free chloride content is measured via the sensors’ readings. Hence, if chloride thresholds for corrosion initiation are to be determined, the sensors’ readings will be more representative and accurate if compared to destructive water soluble chloride determination.
The Effects of Internal Audit Report Type and Reporting Relationship on Internal Auditors' Risk Judgments
Authors: Boyle Douglas M. , DeZoort F. Todd , Hermanson Dana R.
Published: March 2015

SYNOPSIS

The governance literature (e.g., Archambeault, DeZoort, and Holt 2008) highlights the lack of internal audit information available to external stakeholders and discusses the need for a publicly available internal audit report (IAR) to describe the function and/or provide assurance. We study the effects of IAR type (i.e., descriptive IAR, assurance IAR) and internal audit reporting relationship (i.e., primarily to management or primarily to the audit committee) on internal auditors' judgments. Specifically, 108 experienced internal auditors provided fraud risk and control risk assessments in an experiment where IAR type and reporting relationship were manipulated randomly between subjects. Fraud risk assessments are higher (more conservative) when internal auditors provide assurance in an IAR or when they report primarily to the audit committee. A significant interaction indicates that internal auditors provide higher control risk assessments when they provide assurance in an IAR and report primarily to the audit committee. Providing descriptive information in an IAR to external stakeholders does not significantly affect internal auditors' fraud risk or control risk assessments. Supplemental results indicate moderate and varied support among internal auditors for the issuance of a descriptive IAR to external stakeholders, but significantly less support for the issuance of an assurance IAR. The results, in combination with Holt and DeZoort's (2009) evidence regarding the effect of descriptive IARs on investors' judgments, suggest the need for discussions of the value of IARs in practice.
Neuromuscular blocking effects of vecuronium in dogs with autosomal-recessive centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Martin-Flores Manuel , Paré Monique D. , Tomak Emily A. , Corn Morgan L. , Campoy Luis
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potency of vecuronium and duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in dogs with centronuclear myopathy (CNM).

ANIMALS 6 Labrador Retrievers with autosomal-recessive CNM and 5 age- and weight-matched control dogs.

PROCEDURES Dogs were anesthetized on 2 occasions (1-week interval) with propofol, dexmedetomidine, and isoflurane. Neuromuscular function was monitored with acceleromyography and train-of-four (TOF) stimulation. In an initial experiment, potency of vecuronium was evaluated by a cumulative-dose method, where 2 submaximal doses of vecuronium (10 μg/kg each) were administered IV sequentially. For the TOF's first twitch (T1), baseline twitch amplitude and maximal posttreatment depression of twitch amplitude were measured. In the second experiment, dogs received vecuronium (50 μg/kg, IV) and the time of spontaneous recovery to a TOF ratio (ie, amplitude of TOF's fourth twitch divided by amplitude of T1) ≥ 0.9 and recovery index (interval between return of T1 amplitude to 25% and 75% of baseline) were measured.

RESULTS Depression of T1 after each submaximal dose of vecuronium was not different between groups. Median time to a TOF ratio ≥ 0.9 was 76.7 minutes (interquartile range [IQR; 25th to 75th percentile], 66.7 to 99.4 minutes) for dogs with CNM and 75.0 minutes (IQR, 47.8 to 96.5 minutes) for controls. Median recovery index was 18.0 minutes (IQR, 9.7 to 23.5 minutes) for dogs with CNM and 20.2 minutes (IQR, 8 to 25.1 minutes) for controls.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE For the study dogs, neither potency nor duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade was altered by CNM. Vecuronium can be used to induce neuromuscular blockade in dogs with autosomal-recessive CNM.
Renal, gastrointestinal, and hemostatic effects of oral administration of meloxicam to Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis)
Authors: Dijkstra Bas , Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Gustavsen Kate , Owens Sean D. , Hass Carlyle , Kass Philip H. , Paul-Murphy Joanne R.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To investigate renal, gastrointestinal, and hemostatic effects associated with oral administration of multiple doses of meloxicam to healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots (Amazona ventralis).

ANIMALS 12 Hispaniolan Amazon parrots.

PROCEDURES Birds were assigned to receive meloxicam oral suspension (1.6 mg/kg, PO, q 12 h) and 2.5 mL of tap water inserted into the crop by use of a gavage tube (n = 8) or the equivalent volume of tap water only (control group; 4) for 15 days. Urine and feces were collected 2 hours after treatment administration each day. Feces were evaluated for occult blood. Results of a CBC and serum biochemical analysis and measured N-acetyl-β-d-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and whole blood clotting time were evaluated before, during, and after completion of treatments. Results of urinalysis and measured urine NAG activity were also evaluated.

RESULTS Birds treated with meloxicam had a significant increase in number of WBCs and decrease in PCV from before to after treatment. The PCV also decreased significantly, compared with results for the control group; however, WBC count and PCV for all birds remained within reference ranges throughout the study. One parrot treated with meloxicam had a single high value for urine NAG activity.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Meloxicam administered orally at the dosage used in this study caused no apparent negative changes in several renal, gastrointestinal, or hemostatic variables in healthy Hispaniolan Amazon parrots. Additional studies to evaluate adverse effects of NSAIDs in birds will be needed.
Application of in vivo microdialysis for investigation of unbound drug concentrations of intravenously administered sulfadimidine in the paranasal sinus mucosa of horses
Authors: Bienert-Zeit Astrid , Gietz Caroline , Staszyk Carsten , Kietzmann Manfred , Stahl Jessica , Ohnesorge Bernhard
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To monitor concentrations of sulfadimidine in the paranasal sinus mucosa (PSM) of unsedated horses following IV administration of trimethoprim-sulfadimidine via in vivo microdialysis.

ANIMALS 10 healthy adult horses.

PROCEDURES Concentric microdialysis probes were implanted into the subepithelial layers of the frontal sinus mucosa of standing sedated horses. Four hours after implantation, trimethoprim-sulfadimidine (30 mg/kg) was administered IV every 24 hours for 2 days; dialysate and plasma samples were collected at intervals during that 48-hour period and analyzed for concentrations of sulfadimidine. The dialysate concentration and relative loss of sulfadimidine from the perfusate were used to calculate the PSM concentration.

RESULTS Microdialysis probe implantation and subsequent in vivo microdialysis were successfully performed for all 10 horses. Following the first and second administration of trimethoprim-sulfadimidine, mean ± SD peak concentrations of sulfadimidine were 55.3 ± 10.3 μg/mL and 51.5 ± 8.7 μg/mL, respectively, in plasma and 9.6 ± 4.5 μg/mL and 7.0 ± 3.3 μg/mL, respectively, in the PSM. Peak sulfadimidine concentrations in the PSM were detected at 5.9 ± 2.7 hours and 5.4 ± 2.3 hours following the first and second drug administrations, respectively. For 12 hours, mean PSM sulfadimidine concentration remained greater than the minimum inhibitory concentration indicative of sulfonamide susceptibility of equine bacterial isolates (4.75 μg/mL).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In vivo microdialysis for continuous monitoring of PSM sulfadimidine concentrations in unsedated horses was feasible. Intravenous administration of trimethoprim (5 mg/kg) and sulfadimidine (25 mg/kg) proved likely to be efficient for treating sinusitis caused by highly susceptible pathogens, providing that the dosing interval is 12 hours.
Platelet activation in a population of critically ill dogs as measured with whole blood flow cytometry and thromboelastography
Authors: Majoy Sean B. , de Laforcade Armelle M. , Barnard Marc R. , Shaw Scott P.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine whether critically ill dogs had increased platelet activation and whether the proportion of activated platelets correlated with severity of illness.

ANIMALS 82 dogs in the intensive care unit of a veterinary teaching hospital and 24 healthy control dogs.

PROCEDURES Flow cytometry with monoclonal mouse anti-human CD61 and CD62 antibodies in resting and ADP-treated samples and kaolin-activated thromboelastography were used to compare platelet activation in blood samples of critically ill and control dogs. Serum antithrombin, von Willebrand factor, fibrinogen, and activated protein C concentrations; prothrombin time (PT); and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured. Revised survival prediction index, acute patient physiology and laboratory evaluation, systemic inflammatory response syndrome, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome scores were used to estimate severity of illness. Severity of illness scores and platelet activation measurements were compared with survival time and duration and cost of hospitalization.

RESULTS Critically ill and control dogs had no differences in platelet activation for non–ADP-treated samples measured. Critically ill dogs had significantly increased platelet activation in response to 2, 6, and 10μM ADP. Critically ill dogs had significantly increased maximum amplitude, α angle, and global clot strength and significantly decreased clot formation time. Critically ill dogs had significantly increased fibrinogen concentration, PT, and aPTT and significantly decreased antithrombin concentration. Survivors and nonsurvivors had similar flow cytometry and thromboelastography values. Three dogs developed macrothrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In this study, critically ill dogs had hyperreactive platelets, which may have contributed to a high incidence of hypercoagulability in this patient population.
Effect of oral administration of cyclosporine on Toxoplasma gondii infection status of cats
Authors: Lappin Michael R. , VanLare Karen A. , Seewald Wolfgang , Roycroft Linda M. , Scorza Andrea V. , King Stephen , Roberts Elizabeth S.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To evaluate whether anti-inflammatory doses of cyclosporine activate Toxoplasma gondii in chronically infected cats or potentiate infection in cats exposed for the first time.

ANIMALS 30 T gondii–negative cats.

PROCEDURES Cats were assigned to 1 of 3 groups (10 cats/group). Group 1 (control) cats were administered a placebo for 126 days; group 2 cats were administered a placebo for 84 days, followed by cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 42 days; and group 3 cats were administered cyclosporine at 7.5 mg/kg/d, PO, for 126 days. Cats were orally inoculated with T gondii on day 42. Results for fecal flotations, PCR assays, and histologic examinations and IgM and IgG titers were analyzed. Cyclosporine concentrations were measured on selected days.

RESULTS All cats were infected by T gondii and developed signs of self-limiting gastrointestinal tract infection. Group 3 had the highest incidence and severity of CNS and pulmonary histopathologic findings typical of toxoplasmosis. One cat in group 3 died of systemic toxoplasmosis; that cat had a cyclosporine concentration of 1,690 ng/mL. Group 2 cats infected with T gondii before cyclosporine administration did not have repeated oocyst shedding. Group 3 cats shed fewer oocysts for a shorter time than did control cats of group 1.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Oral administration of cyclosporine in accordance with the protocol for this study did not potentiate the enteroepithelial phase of T gondii infection. Cats with high cyclosporine blood concentrations at the time of primary T gondii infection may be at risk of developing systemic toxoplasmosis.
Pharmacokinetics of an oral extended-release formulation of doxycycline hyclate containing acrylic acid and polymethacrylate in dogs
Authors: Ruiz Sara Melisa Arciniegas , Olvera Lilia Gutiérrez , Chacón Sara del Carmen Caballero , Estrada Dinorah Vargas
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE To determine the pharmacokinetics of doxycycline hyclate administered orally in the form of experimental formulations with different proportions of acrylic acid–polymethacrylate-based matrices.

ANIMALS 30 healthy adult dogs.

PROCEDURES In a crossover study, dogs were randomly assigned (in groups of 10) to receive a single oral dose (20 mg/kg) of doxycycline hyclate without excipients (control) or extended-release formulations (ERFs) containing doxycycline, acrylic acid polymer, and polymethacrylate in the following proportions: 1:0.5:0.0075 (ERF1) or 1:1:0.015 (ERF2). Serum concentrations of doxycycline were determined for pharmacokinetic analysis before and at several intervals after each treatment.

RESULTS Following oral administration to the study dogs, each ERF resulted in therapeutic serum doxycycline concentrations for 48 hours, whereas the control treatment resulted in therapeutic serum doxycycline concentrations for only 24 hours. All pharmacokinetic parameters for ERF1 and ERF2 were significantly different; however, findings for ERF1 did not differ significantly from those for the control treatment.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that both ERFs containing doxycycline, acrylic acid polymer, and polymethacrylate had an adequate pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic relationship for a time-dependent drug and a longer release time than doxycycline alone following oral administration in dogs. Given the minimum effective serum doxycycline concentration of 0.26 μg/mL, a dose interval of 48 hours can be achieved for each tested ERF. This minimum inhibitory concentration has the potential to be effective against several susceptible bacteria involved in important infections in dogs. Treatment of dogs with either ERF may have several benefits over treatment with doxycycline alone.
Eco-Friendly Management of Rice Diseases
Authors: Razu Md. Amanut Ullah , Hossain Ismail
Published: March 2015

Comparative efficacy of BAU-Biofungicide (2%), a product of Trichoderma harzianum, Garlic (Allium sativum) clove extract (5%), Allamanda(Allamanda cathartica) leaf extract (5%), Bion (25ppm), Amistar (0.1%) and Tilt 250EC (0.1%) were evaluated for eco-friendly managementof diseases of rice cv. BRRI Dhan-49 under field and laboratory conditions from July,2013 to March,2014. The field experiment was carriedout following Randomised Complete Block Design and the laboratory experiments were done following Completely Randomized Design.Brown spot, Narrow brown leaf spot, Bacterial leaf blight and Sheath blight were recorded in the field. The lowest incidence of brown spotand narrow brown leaf spot was observed in plots treated with BAU-Biofungicide and that of bacterial leaf blight was observed in plots sprayedwith Allamanda leaf extract. In case of sheath blight, the lowest incidence was observed in BAU-Biofungicide sprayed plots. The highest grainyield (3680.34kg/ha) was recorded in plots sprayed with BAU-Biofungicide which is 40.56% higher over control. The highest seed germination(%) was recorded when seeds were treated with Garlic clove extract (89.29%) followed by BAU-Biofungicide (87.30%). The prevalence ofseed-borne fungi was investigated by blotter method. The identified seed-borne fungal species were Bipolaris oryzae, Fusarium oxysporum,Fusarium moniliforme, Curvularia lunata, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. Maximum reduction of seed-borne infection of pathogenswas obtained by treating seeds with BAU-Biofungicide (2% of seed weight).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.11977    Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 80-88
Heavy Metal Accumulation as Phytoremediation Potential of Aquatic Macrophyte, Monochoria vaginalis (Burm.F.) K. Presl Ex Kunth
Authors: Talukdar Tulika , Talukdar Dibyendu
Published: March 2015

Bioaccumulation potential of six ecotypes, collected from six different industrial zones of lower Indo-Gangetic basin of West Bengal, India,of Monochoria vaginalis, commonly known as oval-leafed pondweed has been investigated based on chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) andCopper (Cu) accumulation pattern in different plant organs. Bioaccumulation potential was assessed by bioaccumulation factors (BFs-leavesmetal concentration/soil metal concentration), bioconcentration factors (BCFs- roots metal/soil metal), transfer factors (TFs-leaves +rhizomes/roots) and enrichment factors (EFs-metals in edible parts/soil metal). Accumulation pattern significantly differed among ecotypes,and accumulation in plant organs was highly metal-specific. BFs for Cr and Cd were >>1 in most of the ecotypes while high TFs (>>1) werenoticed in six ecotypes for Cr and Cu. BCFs was >>1 in all the ecotypes for Cd accumulation only. EFs values for the three metals hoveredaround 1 but it was > 1.0 for Cu in all the six ecotypes. The results suggested that Cr and Cu predominantly accumulated in leaves and rhizomeswhile Cd was predominantly sequestered in roots of M. vaginalis ecotypes. Cu, a redox active metal, showed higher capability than Cd and Crto accumulate in edible parts. In the present study, potential plant parts in M. vaginalis have been identified as bioaccumulation organs withoutany apparent symptoms of toxicity which can be used as phytoremediation of heavy metal contamination in aquatic ecosystems of lower Indo-Gangetic basin of India.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i1.12193 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 3(1): 9-15
Study on changes in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and its relation to Serum inorganic phosphate level in advanced stages of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Saha Gobinda Chandra , Mustafa Ekramul , Salehin Masood , Alam T , Akhtaruzzaman M , Mahmud Asif
Published: March 2015

Background: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) reflects renal function and in chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3-5, there is electrolyte imbalance which is reflected by changes in serum creatinine and phosphate level. The aim of this study was to determine GFR in advanced stages of CKD and its relation with serum creatinine and serum inorganic phosphate. Methods: This was a cross sectional study which was done in Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi. A total of 120 patients were taken. Among them ninety were with advanced stages of CKD and thirty were as control group. Results: Mean GFR in healthy control was 104.953±16.663 ml/min., mean GFR in CKD3 group was 36.256±5.582, in CKD4 group was 21.142±5.420 ml/min. and in CKD5 group was 10.304±2.694 ml/min. Mean serum creatinine in healthy control was 0.936±0.116 mg/dl and 2.226±0.272, 3.698±0.915 & 6.906±2.439 mg/dl in CKD3, CKD4 & CKD5 respectively. While, the mean serum inorganic phosphate level in healthy control group was 1.23±0.17 mmol/L, and 1.79±0.11, 2.09±0.27 & 3.04±0.33 mmol/L in CKD3, CKD4 & CKD5 respectively. Conclusion: Serum creatinine and phosphate levels are increased with the severity of CKD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22692 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 37-40
The association between serum betahuman Chorionic gonadotropin and Preeclampsia
Authors: Begum Zinat , Ara Iffat , Tanira Shaorin , Keya Kashfia Ahmed
Published: March 2015

Background: Exact aetiology of this potentially fatal disorder remains poorly understood. A number of theories have been put forward where different biochemical markers have been implicated in the causal association of preeclampsia. This study was intended to find the association between serum b-hCG level and preclampsia Methods: This cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted on 74 pregnant women with preeclampsia (cases) who were admitted in the Eclampsia ward of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka between January and July of 2013. A total of 76 normotensive pregnant women were also taken from the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Out-patient Department of the same hospital as control. The study subjects were selected on the basis of predefined eligibility criteria. The serum levels of b-hCG were compared between case and control groups as well as between mild and severe preeclampsia. Result: The case and control groups were almost similar in terms of all the baseline demographic and obstetric characteristics except past history of PET which was significantly higher in the former group than that in the latter group. Majority (97.1%) of the cases had severe hypertension (74.3%) with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures being 162.6 and 110.8 mmHg respectively. The mean serum ?-hCG was much higher in the case group than that in the control group (p<0.001). The mean serum ?-hCG was the highest in severe preeclampsia and the lowest in the control group, while that in mild preeclampsia lie in between the two (p<0.001). The serum ?-hCG exhibits a significantly linear correlation with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between the ?-hCG level in the preeclamptic women compared to the normotensive pregnant women and the severity of preeclamsia increases with further rise of ?-hCG level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22701 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 89-93
Capitonnage versus non-Capitonnage surgery for pulmonary hydatid cyst: a head to head study
Authors: Goni Md Osman , Karim Fazal , Alam Md Kamrul , Chowdhury GM Akbar , Ahsan Shafiqul
Published: March 2015

Background: Hydatid disease is a zoonotic disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. In humans, lungs are the second common organ involved after liver. Surgical treatment is considered gold standard. Different surgical techniques has developed. However, head to head comparison of these has not yet been done in our country. Methods: A prospective randomized study was done in the Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital between July 2004 and June 2006. Patients with pulmonary hydatid disease were offered two surgical techniques, enucleation with or without capitonnage. Group I was offered enucleation of cyst with closure of bronchial opening. Group II was offered enucleation of cyst with capitonnage. Results: 43 patients (age range 7  45 years, mean 25 years) having hydatid disease of the lung were enrolled in the study. Group I involved 23 patients, Group II involved 20 patients. There were 15 males and 28 females. Presenting complaints were chest pain [76.7%], cough without sputum [46.5%], haemoptysis [30.2%], respiratory distress [27.9%], cough with sputum [11.6%] while 23.2% were asymptomatic. The right lung was affected more [65.11%] than left lung [23.3%] and bilateral disease was found in 11%. Postoperatively, in group I, 12.9% developed air-leakage, 4.3% wound infection. In group II, 20% developed air-leakage, 5% haemorrhage and 5% empyema. None of the patient in the former group had to stay in the hospital for >15 days, where as 10% of the latter group had to stay in hospital for >15 days. The hospital stay was found to be significantly higher in the latter group compared to the former group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in the development of haemorrhage, empyema, wound infection and broncho-pleural fistula. There was also no significant difference in the rate of recurrence. No anaphylaxis or death occurred in either group. Conclusion: Capitonnage offered no added benefit rather increasing complications. So enucleation followed by closure of bronchial opening may be a reasonable approach. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22702 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 94-101
Immunoglobulin m (IGM) Nephropathy in children - report of two cases
Authors: Afroz Shireen , Simi Maliha Alam , Sharmin Shanjida , Yeasmin Laila , Kundu LC
Published: March 2015

Immunoglobulin M nephropathy (IgMN) is an idiopathic glomerulonephritis characterized by a variable degree of mesangialhypercellularity and diffuse IgM deposits.Patients usually presents with refractory nephrotic syndrome (NS) and hematuria. We present two patients with IgM nephropathy one with frequently relapsing NS with steroid dependence, treated with oral steroid and cyclophosphamide subsequently with tacrolimus. The patient showed complete remission but breakthrough relapses occurredduring the course of steroid treatment.The second case presented with persistentgross hematuria and nephroticrange proteinuria for 6 months. The patient showed complete remission of proteinuria and hematuria with oral steroid andremained on remission for9 months. Then again developed hematuria & proteinuria and subsequently showed response to oral steroid and cyclphosphamide . Renal histopathology & immunofluorescence study of first case revealed normal mesangial cellularity and basement membrane thickness with mesangial deposits of IgM. Second case showed global mesangial proliferation with increasing mesangial matrix with moderate mesangial deposits of IgM. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jdmc.v23i1.22709 J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 23, No.1, April, 2014, Page 131-133
Enlisting the Family in Missions to Korea
Authors: Underwood Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

Studies of the role of family in the modern mission movement have greatly expanded our understanding of the multiplicity of dynamics at play in missions work. In particular, the contributions of wives, whether formally appointed as missionaries or not, have been made increasingly visible. The near exclusive definition of family as conjugal unit of married couples and their children, however, has left invisible the contributions of broader family to the work of missions. This paper considers two individuals, John Thomas Underwood and Emma Jane Harpster, and the kinship networks they represent. Though neither were missionaries, each was drawn by family into the work of missions in Korea. Following recent analyses of the importance of broader kinship networks in the development of the middle classes in nineteenth-century Europe and North America, this paper suggests such networks were also of significance in the modern mission movement.
Synthesis and Properties of 2'-Deoxyuridine Analogues Bearing Various Azobenzene Derivatives at the C5 Position
Authors: Mori Shohei , Morihiro Kunihiko , Kasahara Yuuya , Tsunoda Shin-ichi , Obika Satoshi
Published: March 2015

Nucleic acids that change their properties upon photo-irradiation could be powerful materials for molecular sensing with high spatiotemporal resolution. Recently, we reported a photo-isomeric nucleoside bearing azobenzene at the C5 position of 2'-deoxyuridine (dUAz), whose hybridization ability could be reversibly controlled by the appropriate wavelength of light. In this paper, we synthesized and evaluated dUAz analogues that have various para-substitutions on the azobenzene moiety. Spectroscopic measurements and HPLC analyses revealed that the para-substitutions of the azobenzene moiety strongly affect the photo-isomerization ability and thermal stability of the cis-form. The results suggest that proper substitution of the azobenzene moiety can improve the properties of dUAz as a light-responsive nucleic acid probe.