bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Crestal Bone Loss Around Dental Implants Placed in Healed Sites Using Flapped and Flapless Techniques: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vohra Fahim , Al‐Kheraif Abdulaziz A. , Almas Khalid , Javed Fawad
Published: September 2014

Background: The aim of the present systematic review is to compare the crestal bone loss (CBL) around dental implants placed in healed sites using flapped and flapless surgical techniques.

Methods: The focused question was, “Does flapped and flapless surgical technique influence CBL around dental implants placed in healed sites?” Databases were searched from 1975 up to and including May 2014 using different combinations of the following keywords: “crestal bone loss”; “dental implant”; “surgery”; “flap”; and “flapless.” Unpublished data, experimental studies, letters to the editor, review articles, case reports, commentaries, and articles published in languages other than English were excluded. In all studies, the test group comprised implants placed using flapless surgery, and the control group, implants placed after reflection of a full‐thickness mucoperiosteal flap.

Results: Ten clinical studies were included. In five studies, CBL around implants was comparable between the test and control groups. In four studies, implants in the test group showed significantly less CBL compared with the control group. In one study, CBL was significantly higher in the test group than the control group.

Conclusion: CBL around dental implants placed in healed sites using flapped and flapless techniques is comparable.
An Injectable Complex of β-tricalcium Phosphate Granules, Hyaluronate, and rhFGF-2 on Repair of Long-bone Fractures with Large Fragments
Authors: T Tanaka , Y Kumagae , M Chazono , H Komaki , S Kitasato , A Kakuta , K Marumo
Published: September 2014

We evaluated the effects of an injectable complex of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) granules, hyaluronate, and recombinant human fibroblast growth factor-2 (rhFGF-2) on repair of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. Twenty-five patients (range, 76-91 years) having 31.A2 fractures (AO classification) were treated with injection of the complex followed by intramedullary nails. Bone regeneration and β-TCP resorption, unions of intertrochanteric fractures and displaced lesser trochanters to the shaft, and varus deformity of the femoral neck were assessed by X-ray and CT scans. Fracture union occurred in all cases and union of the displaced lesser trochanter to the shaft was obtained in 24 cases by 12 weeks. It is of interest that β-TCP granules were completely resorbed and marked new bone formation around the lesser trochanter was observed in all cases compared to cases not treated with the complex. Based on the results of intertrochanteric fractures, we applied this technique to two patients with subtrochanteric or humeral fractures in elderly patients, and obtained bone union. This complex is a paste-like material that is easy to handle, and it may be of considerable use in treatment of both unstable intertrochanteric fractures and other cortical bone defects with minimal surgical invasion.
Spinal Surgery in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease: Unsatisfactory Results, Failure and Disappointment
Authors: Sapkas G. , Lykomitros V. , Soultanis K. , Papadopoulos E.C. , Papadakis M.
Published: September 2014

Previous studies on spinal surgery in PD patients report an exceptionally high rate of complications. Failure and re -operation are frequent outcomes. This is a retrospective case series with the aim of establishing the rate of complications in patients with concomitant Parkinson’s disease.

Ten patients were subjected to spinal surgery from 2005 to 2009. The indications and type of operation varied. Cases of Failed Back Surgery and re-operation were sought. Follow – up was between 6 – 42 months. All 10 patients presented some clinical or radiological complication. The most common complications were screw pull – out and progressive spinal deformity. Re – operations were performed in 5 patients, while clinical and radiological results were poor in the majority of cases. Patients with Parkinson’s disease have a very high complication rate and often have to undergo revision surgery. This particular group of patients should be informed of the increased risk of failure and be closely followed – up on a regular basis.
1,2‐Dichlorobenzene Pretreatment via Phosphoric Acid‐Mediated Fenton Reagent
Authors: Richmond Mark D.
Published: September 2014

A large industrial water resource recovery facility needed to significantly reduce the amount of 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (ODCB) entering its biological treatment units. Numerous Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) were considered based on literature and industry reports. Many AOPs appear to be incompatible with some of the native species present in groundwater or wastewater matrices. Iron, in particular, is often viewed as a nuisance increasing the complexity of the overall treatment scheme. The approach used in the current study was to incorporate the new AOP into the existing groundwater matrix and facilities as much as possible. To that end, native iron was exploited as the reaction catalyst, an acid was selected to fit with current macro nutrient needs of the biotreatment units, and the reactor was designed to require minimum modification of the existing facilities. The “green chemical” (Noyori, 2003) treatment process selected was demonstrated at full‐scale, achieving good agreement with the results of prior laboratory studies. Up to eighty percent destruction of ODCB was demonstrated in a new pretreatment unit whose effluent fit seamlessly with the existing bioreactors.
College Students Who are Parents Need Equitable Services for Retention
Authors: Lovell Elyse D'nn
Published: September 2014

Growing populations which represent undergraduate students who are parents include females, non-traditional age students, and mothers who are single and living in poverty. Student-parent retention services appeared extremely disproportionate to the number of student-parents on campuses. Studentparents in this quantitative analysis showed significant differences in motivation, classroom experiences, and goal attainment influenced by the ages of their children, degree plan, and their own age. Parents with older children had higher levels of motivation and goal attainment when compared to parents with younger children. Parents earning 4-year degrees had lower levels of motivation and weaker classroom experiences compared to those earning 2-year degrees. Non-traditional age parents had higher levels of goal attainment. The traditional age student-parents with young children pursuing a 4-year degree showed the greatest impediments to persistence.
Supporting Students of Color in Teacher Education: Results from an Urban Teacher Education Program
Authors: Waddell Jennifer
Published: September 2014

This article describes an urban teacher education program on a predominantly White campus, in which 71% of the students in the program were students of color. This article details a qualitative study and highlights the structures of support most influential in the retention of students within the program. Findings suggest that a multifaceted approach to student support is most influential in retaining students of color. Influential support structures emerging from the data were: (1) cohort model; (2) focus on diversity; (3) high expectations; and (4) close interaction with faculty. The author makes the case that results can inform and be replicated in all teacher education and/or post-secondary education programs.
A Preliminary Analysis of Oneota and Mississippian Serving Vessels at the Morton Village Site, West-Central Illinois
Authors: Lieto Joshua R. , O'Gorman Jodie A.
Published: September 2014

The Morton Village Site (11-F-2) of west-central Illinois is an important site for understanding late prehistoric interactions between people of the Oneota and Mississippian traditions. Excavations at the site have uncovered ceramic vessels that appear to be inter-ethnic hybrids, combining Oneota decorative motifs with Mississippian forms. Primarily, this article examines metric and decorative motif variation of a sample of serving vessels and provides a preliminary data set that suggests avenues for further research that can be used to help better understand migrant Oneota adaptation to their new social environment. While the vessel forms have been previously noted, this is the first attempt to document their variability at Morton Village and establish their significance at the site.
A Flaked Stone Crescent from a Stratified, Radiocarbon-Dated Site in the Northern Great Basin
Authors: Smith Geoffrey M. , Pattee Donald D. , Pellegrini Evan , Finley Judson Bird , Fagan John L.
Published: September 2014

Seven sites in the Far West have produced crescents in dated contexts: of these, only two are in the Great Basin. Single dates from both Great Basin sites—the Sunshine Locality and Fort Rock Cave—suggest that crescents date to the terminal Pleistocene. Crescents from dated contexts in California suggest that they were also used during the early Holocene. We report the discovery of a crescent from a stratified, radiocarbon-dated rockshelter in southeast Oregon initially occupied ∼9600 calendar years ago (cal B.P.).

Although crescents may date to the terminal Pleistocene elsewhere in the Great Basin, our find indicates that they were also used during the early Holocene. Crossover Immunoelectrophoresis analysis of the crescent produced a positive reaction for pronghorn, suggesting that the tool contacted that taxon during butchering or hafting activities.
PRMT3 Regulates Hepatic Lipogenesis Through Direct Interaction With LXRα
Authors: Kim Dong-il , Park Min-jung , Lim Seul-ki , Park Jae-il , Yoon Kyung-chul , Han Ho-jae , Gustafsson Jan-Åke , Lim Jae-hyang , Park Soo-hyun
Published: September 2014

Arginine methylation is responsible for diverse biological functions and is mediated by protein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is accompanied by excessive hepatic lipogenesis via liver X receptor α (LXRα). Thus we examined the pathophysiological role of PRMTs in NAFLD and their relationship with LXRα. In this study, palmitic acid (PA) treatment increased PRMT3, which is correlated with the elevation of hepatic lipogenic proteins. The expression of lipogenic proteins was increased by PRMT3 overexpression, but decreased by PRMT3 silencing and use of the PRMT3 knockout (KO) mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line. PRMT3 also increased the transcriptional activity of LXRα by directly binding with LXRα in a methylation-independent manner. In addition, PA treatment translocated PRMT3 to the nucleus. In animal models, a high-fat diet increased the LXRα and PRMT3 expressions and binding, which was not observed in LXRα KO mice. Furthermore, increased PRMT3 expression and its binding with LXRα were observed in NAFLD patients. Taken together, LXRα and PRMT3 expression was increased in cellular and mouse models of NAFLD and human patients, and PRMT3 translocated into the nucleus bound with LXRα as a transcriptional cofactor, which induced lipogenesis. In conclusion, PRMT3 translocation by PA is coupled to the binding of LXRα, which is responsible for the onset of fatty liver.
Noninvasive In Vivo Imaging of Diabetes-Induced Renal Oxidative Stress and Response to Therapy Using Hyperpolarized 13C Dehydroascorbate Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Keshari Kayvan R. , Wilson David M. , Sai Victor , Bok Robert , Jen Kuang-Yu , Larson Peder , Van Criekinge Mark , Kurhanewicz John , Wang Zhen J.
Published: September 2014

Oxidative stress has been proposed to be a unifying cause for diabetic nephropathy and a target for novel therapies. Here we apply a new endogenous reduction-oxidation (redox) sensor, hyperpolarized (HP) 13C dehydroascorbate (DHA), in conjunction with MRI to noninvasively interrogate the renal redox capacity in a mouse diabetes model. The diabetic mice demonstrate an early decrease in renal redox capacity, as shown by the lower in vivo HP 13C DHA reduction to the antioxidant vitamin C (VitC), prior to histological evidence of nephropathy. This correlates with lower tissue reduced glutathione (GSH) concentration and higher NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) expression, consistent with increased superoxide generation and oxidative stress. ACE inhibition restores the HP 13C DHA reduction to VitC with concomitant normalization of GSH concentration and Nox4 expression in diabetic mice. HP 13C DHA enables rapid in vivo assessment of altered redox capacity in diabetic renal injury and after successful treatment.
Deletion of Placental Growth Factor Prevents Diabetic Retinopathy and Is Associated With Akt Activation and HIF1α-VEGF Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Huang Hu , He Jianbo , Johnson Da’Kuawn , Wei Yanhong , Liu Ying , Wang Shuang , Lutty Gerard A. , Duh Elia J. , Carmeliet Peter , Semba Richard D.
Published: September 2014

A new diabetic mouse strain, the Akita.PlGF knockout (−/−), was generated to study the role of placental growth factor (PlGF) in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). PlGF deletion did not affect blood glucose but reduced the body weight of Akita.PlGF−/− mice. Diabetes-induced retinal cell death, capillary degeneration, pericyte loss, and blood-retinal barrier breakdown were prevented in these mice. Protein expression of PlGF was upregulated by diabetes, particularly in vascular cells. Diabetes-induced degradation of ZO-1 and VE-cadherin was reversed due to PlGF deficiency; their expression was correlated with that of sonic hedgehog and angiopoietin-1. PlGF deletion in Akita mice resulted in an increased Akt phosphorylation. Diabetes-activated hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway, including expression of HIF1α, VEGF, VEGFR1–3, and the extent of phospho (p)-VEGFR1, p-VEGFR2, and p–endothelial nitric oxide synthase, was inhibited in the retinas of diabetic PlGF−/− mice. However, expression of intercellular adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, CD11b, and CD18 was not inhibited by PlGF deletion, nor was retinal leukostasis. These results suggest that PlGF is critical for the development of DR, and its genetic deletion protects the retina from diabetic damage. Protective mechanisms are associated with Akt activation and HIF1α-VEGF pathway inhibition, but independent of retinal leukostasis in the retinas of diabetic PlGF−/− mice.
Skin Advanced Glycation End Products Glucosepane and Methylglyoxal Hydroimidazolone Are Independently Associated With Long-term Microvascular Complication Progression of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Genuth Saul , Sun Wanjie , Cleary Patricia , Gao Xiaoyu , Sell David R. , Lachin John ,   The DCCT/EDIC Research Group, Monnier Vincent M.
Published: September 2014

Six skin collagen advanced glycation end products (AGEs) originally measured near to the time of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) closeout in 1993 may contribute to the “metabolic memory” phenomenon reported in the follow-up Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study. We have now investigated whether the addition of four originally unavailable AGEs (i.e., glucosepane [GSPNE], hydroimidazolones of methylglyoxal [MG-H1] and glyoxal, and carboxyethyl-lysine) improves associations with incident retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy events during 13–17 years after DCCT. The complete 10-AGE panel is associated with three-step Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale worsening of retinopathy (P ≤ 0.002), independent of either mean DCCT or EDIC study A1C level. GSPNE and fructose-lysine (furosine [FUR]) correlate with retinopathy progression, independently of A1C level. The complete panel also correlates with microalbuminuria (P = 0.008) and FUR with nephropathy independently of A1C level (P ≤ 0.02). Neuropathy correlates with the complete panel despite adjustment for A1C level (P ≤ 0.005). MG-H1 and FUR are dominant, independent of A1C level (P < 0.0001), whereas A1C loses significance after adjustment for the AGEs. Overall, the added set of four AGEs enhances the association of the original panel with progression risk of retinopathy and neuropathy (P < 0.04) but not nephropathy, while GSPNE and MG-H1 emerge as the principal new risk factors. Skin AGEs are robust long-term markers of microvascular disease progression, emphasizing the importance of early and sustained implementation of intensive therapy.
Adiponectin Resistance and Proinflammatory Changes in the Visceral Adipose Tissue Induced by Fructose Consumption via Ketohexokinase-Dependent Pathway
Authors: Marek George , Pannu Varinderpal , Shanmugham Prashanth , Pancione Brianna , Mascia Dominic , Crosson Sean , Ishimoto Takuji , Sautin Yuri Y.
Published: September 2014

An epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes is linked with the increase in consumption of fructose-containing sugars, such as sucrose and high-fructose corn syrup. In mammalian cells, fructose is metabolized predominantly via phosphorylation to fructose-1 phosphate by ketohexokinase (KHK) or by alternative pathways. Here we demonstrate that a KHK-dependent pathway mediates insulin resistance and inflammatory changes in the visceral fat in response to high fructose. We used mice (males, C57BL/6 background) including littermate wild-type control and mice lacking both isoforms of KHK (KHK-null). Fructose diet induced metabolic syndrome, including visceral obesity, insulin resistance, proinflammatory changes in the visceral fat (production of proinflammatory adipokines and macrophage infiltration), the endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling, and decrease of the high–molecular weight adiponectin followed by decrease in the downstream signaling. KHK-KO mice consuming the same high-fructose diet remained lean, with normal insulin sensitivity and healthy visceral adipose tissue with normal adiponectin function not distinguishable from the control by any of the tested parameters. This study demonstrates that blocking KHK and redirecting fructose metabolism to alternative pathways is an effective way to prevent visceral obesity and insulin resistance induced by high fructose, a widespread component of Western diets.
Genome-Wide Association Meta-analysis Identifies Novel Variants Associated With Fasting Plasma Glucose in East Asians
Authors: Hwang Joo-Yeon , Sim Xueling , Wu Ying , Liang Jun , Tabara Yasuharu , Hu Cheng , Hara Kazuo , Tam Claudia H.T. , Cai Qiuyin , Zhao Qi , Jee Sunha , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Go Min Jin , Ong Rick Twee Hee , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Kim Young Jin , Zhang Rong , Yamauchi Toshimasa , So Wing Yee , Long Jirong , Gu Dongfeng , Lee Nanette R. , Kim Soriul , Katsuya Tomohiro , Oh Ji Hee , Liu Jianjun , Umemura Satoshi , Kim Yeon-Jung , Jiang Feng , Maeda Shiro , Chan Juliana C.N. , Lu Wei , Hixson James E. , Adair Linda S. , Jung Keum Ji , Nabika Toru , Bae Jae-Bum , Lee Mi Hee , Seielstad Mark , Young Terri L. , Teo Yik Ying , Kita Yoshikuni , Takashima Naoyuki , Osawa Haruhiko , Lee So-Hyun , Shin Min-Ho , Shin Dong Hoon , Choi Bo Youl , Shi Jiajun , Gao Yu-Tang , Xiang Yong-Bing , Zheng Wei , Kato Norihiro , Yoon Miwuk , He Jiang , Shu Xiao Ou , Ma Ronald C.W. , Kadowaki Takashi , Jia Weiping , Miki Tetsuro , Qi Lu , Tai E Shyong , Mohlke Karen L. , Han Bok-Ghee , Cho Yoon Shin , Kim Bong-Jo
Published: September 2014

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) has been recognized as an important indicator for the overall glycemic state preceding the onset of metabolic diseases. So far, most indentified genome-wide association loci for FPG were derived from populations with European ancestry, with a few exceptions. To extend a thorough catalog for FPG loci, we conducted meta-analyses of 13 genome-wide association studies in up to 24,740 nondiabetic subjects with East Asian ancestry. Follow-up replication analyses in up to an additional 21,345 participants identified three new FPG loci reaching genome-wide significance in or near PDK1-RAPGEF4, KANK1, and IGF1R. Our results could provide additional insight into the genetic variation implicated in fasting glucose regulation.
Inflammation and Hyperglycemia Mediate Deaf1 Splicing in the Pancreatic Lymph Nodes via Distinct Pathways During Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yip Linda , Fuhlbrigge Rebecca , Taylor Cariel , Creusot Remi J. , Nishikawa-Matsumura Teppei , Whiting Chan C. , Schartner Jill M. , Akter Rahima , von Herrath Matthias , Fathman C. Garrison
Published: September 2014

Peripheral tolerance is partially controlled by the expression of peripheral tissue antigens (PTAs) in lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs). We previously identified a transcriptional regulator, deformed epidermal autoregulatory factor 1 (Deaf1), that can regulate PTA expression in LNSCs of the pancreatic lymph nodes (PLNs). During the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D), Deaf1 is spliced to form the dominant-negative isoform Deaf1-Var1. Here we show that Deaf1-Var1 expression correlates with the severity of disease in NOD mice and is reduced in the PLNs of mice that do not develop hyperglycemia. Inflammation and hyperglycemia independently drive Deaf1 splicing through activation of the splicing factors Srsf10 and Ptbp2, respectively. Inflammation induced by injection of activated splenocytes increased Deaf1-Var1 and Srsf10, but not Ptbp2, in the PLNs of NOD.SCID mice. Hyperglycemia induced by treatment with the insulin receptor agonist S961 increased Deaf1-Var1 and Ptbp2, but not Srsf10, in the PLNs of NOD.B10 and NOD mice. Overexpression of PTBP2 and/or SRSF10 also increased human DEAF1-VAR1 and reduced PTA expression in HEK293T cells. These data suggest that during the progression of T1D, inflammation and hyperglycemia mediate the splicing of DEAF1 and loss of PTA expression in LNSCs by regulating the expression of SRSF10 and PTBP2.
A Unique Pattern of Bisphenol A Effects on Nerve Growth Factor Gene Expression in Embryonic Mouse Hypothalamic Cell Line N-44
Authors: Warita Katsuhiko , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Hoshi Nobuhiko , Ohta Ken-ichi , Suzuki Shingo , Takeuchi Yoshiki , Miki Takanori
Published: September 2014

We investigated the toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) by determining the gene expression of nerve growth factor (Ngf in the embryonic mouse cell line mHypoE-N44 derived from the hypothalamus exposed to BPA dose range between 0.02 and 200 μmol L-1 for 3 h. Ngf mRNA levels decreased in a dose-dependent manner, with significant reductions observed in the 2 to 50 μmol L-1 BPA treatment groups compared to controls. However, at 100 to 200 μmol L-1 the NgfmRNA gradually increased and was significantly higher than control, while the expression of the apoptosis-related genes Caspase 3 and transformation-related protein 73 decreased significantly. These results suggest that in an embryonic hypothalamic cell line the higher doses of BPA induce a unique pattern of Ngf gene expression and that BPA has the potential to suppress apoptosis essential for early-stage brain development.
Cadmium, Lead, and Mercury Exposure Assessment Among Croatian Consumers of Free-Living Game
Authors: Lazarus Maja , Prevendar Crnić Andreja , Bilandžić Nina , Kusak Josip , Reljić Slaven
Published: September 2014

Free-living game can be an important source of dietary cadmium and lead; the question is whether exposure to these two elements is such that it might cause adverse health effects in the consumers. The aim of this study was to estimate dietary exposure to cadmium, lead, and mercury from free-living big game (fallow deer, roe deer, red deer, wild boar, and brown bear), and to mercury from small game (pheasant and hare), hunted in Croatia from 1990 to 2012. The exposure assessment was based on available literature data and our own measurements of metal levels in the tissues of the game, by taking into account different consumption frequencies (four times a year, once a month and once a week). Exposure was expressed as percentage of (provisional) tolerable weekly intake [(P)TWI] values set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Consumption of game meat (0.002-0.5 % PTWI) and liver (0.005-6 % PTWI) assumed for the general population (four times a year) does not pose a health risk to consumers from the general population, nor does monthly (0.02-6 % PTWI) and weekly (0.1-24 % PTWI) consumption of game meat. However, because of the high percentage of free-living game liver and kidney samples exceeding the legislative limits for cadmium (2-99 %) and lead (1-82 %), people should keep the consumption of certain game species’ offal as low as possible. Children and pregnant and lactating women should avoid eating game offal altogether. Free-living game liver could be an important source of cadmium if consumed on a monthly basis (3-74 % TWI), and if consumed weekly (11-297 % TWI), it could even give rise to toxicological concern.
Quality of Life Benefit after Endoscopic Frontal Sinus Surgery
Authors: ElBadawey Mohamed R. , Alwaa Ahmad , ElTaher Mostafa , Carrie Sean
Published: September 2014

Background

There is a lack of reports on the quality of life (QOL) assessment after frontal sinus surgery. This study aimed to assess the QOL of patients after one of three frontal sinus procedures, using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and the 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22).

Methods

We designed an observational study with two arms. The first arm was a cross-sectional retrospective study recruiting all patients (with rhinosinusitis or mucocele) who had balloon sinuplasty, frontal recess clearance, or endoscopic modified Lothrop procedure in our tertiary referral unit at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, between April 2010 and April 2012. The second arm was a prospective cohort study recruiting all patients having frontal sinus procedures between April 2012 and September 2012. The QOL was measured primarily by the GBI and SNOT-22 questionnaires. A total of 45 patients were recruited. Retrospectively, we identified 27 patients, of whom 19 (70%) returned the questionnaires. Eighteen patients were recruited in the prospective cohort and 14 (77.7%) of them completed the questionnaires 3 months postoperatively.

Results

The total benefit of frontal sinus surgery was found to be +31 for the retrospective group and +25.59 for the prospective arm. The three domains of GBI showed a positive impact after surgery. The general domain scored +37.5 in the retrospective study and +29.76 for the prospective one. The social domain scored +18.81 retrospectively and +21.42 prospectively. The physical domain scores were +17.71 retrospectively and +13 prospectively. The SNOT-22 preoperative score was +59.8 and this significantly improved to +35.2 (p = 0.017).

Conclusion

Our study is the first report of QOL benefit after all three frontal sinus procedures using the validated GBI, showing benefit in all aspects of health domains. The physical symptoms and QOL assessed by SNOT-22 significantly improved after all three procedures.
A Multicenter Study of the Clinical Features of Allergic Rhinitis in Central China
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Zhao Yan , Li Bin , Zhang Quanming , Wan Lijia , Liu Jun , Tian Xingde , Li Guoyi , Zhou Jie , Zhang Long , Wang Pengju , Cheng Qi , Liang Jianwei , Zhao Ping , He Jingpei , Lou Zhihong , Lu Haitao , Zhou Yi , Zhang Yuanfen , Chen Xiangjun , Pan Fangming , Zhang Zhimao , Zeng Ligang , He Benchao , Zeng Ying , Xu Xiaoyan , Kong Weijia
Published: September 2014

Background

Several epidemiological surveys of allergic rhinitis (AR) have been conducted in China. However, the clinical features of AR are still not clear enough. The aim of the current study was to perform a multicenter investigation to evaluate the clinical features of AR in China.

Methods

A multicenter investigation was performed in 13 allergy centers in central China. A disease-related questionnaire was completed by each patient themselves or with guardian assistance after the diagnosis of AR. The clinical features of AR and allergen profile were analyzed.

Results

Eleven thousand four patients who were diagnosed with AR were recruited in this study. The percentages of classification of AR according to the Allergic Rhinitis and Its Impact on Asthma guidelines were 9.7% intermittent mild (IM), 3.1% persistent mild (PM), 33.9% intermittent moderate–severe (IMS), and 53.3% persistent moderate–severe (PMS). There were 61.6 and 42.2% AR patients who had concomitant ocular or lower respiratory symptoms in clinic. The occurrence of ocular and lower respiratory symptoms was found to be gradually increased from IM, PM, and IMS to PMS. Cold air and temperature change were the two most common factors triggering the nasal symptoms. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae were the most important allergens of central China.

Conclusions

This study has contributed to a better understanding of clinical features of AR in China.
Analysis of a Database to Predict the Result of Allergy Testing in vivo in Patients with Chronic Nasal Symptoms
Authors: Lacagnina Valerio , Leto-Barone Maria S. , La Piana Simona , Seidita Aurelio , Pingitore Giuseppe , Di Lorenzo Gabriele
Published: September 2014

Background

This article uses the logistic regression model for diagnostic decision making in patients with chronic nasal symptoms. We studied the ability of the logistic regression model, obtained by the evaluation of a database, to detect patients with positive allergy skin-prick test (SPT) and patients with negative SPT. The model developed was validated using the data set obtained from another medical institution.

Methods

The analysis was performed using a database obtained from a questionnaire administered to the patients with nasal symptoms containing personal data, clinical data, and results of allergy testing (SPT). All variables found to be significantly different between patients with positive and negative SPT (p < 0.05) were selected for the logistic regression models and were analyzed with backward stepwise logistic regression, evaluated with area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curve. A second set of patients from another institution was used to prove the model.

Results

The accuracy of the model in identifying, over the second set, both patients whose SPT will be positive and negative was high. The model detected 96% of patients with nasal symptoms and positive SPT and classified 94% of those with negative SPT.

Conclusion

This study is preliminary to the creation of a software that could help the primary care doctors in a diagnostic decision making process (need of allergy testing) in patients complaining of chronic nasal symptoms.
Grass Pollen Sublingual Immunotherapy: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Elderly Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Bozek Andrzej , Kolodziejczyk Krzysztof , Warkocka-Szoltysek Barbara , Jarzab Jerzy
Published: September 2014

Background

This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of specific sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) against grass pollen allergens in patients >60 years of age with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and/or asthma. This study sought to assess nasal symptoms during the grass pollen season, reduce medication use, and monitor adverse reactions during immunotherapy.

Methods

Seventy-eight 60- to 70-year-old patients with SAR and a confirmed grass pollen allergy according to skin-prick tests, nasal provocation, and measurement of serum IgE were included in the study. The patients were individually randomized to the act or placebo groups using a double-blind method. A total of 41 subjects in the SLIT group (5 grass pollen mixture) and 37 subjects in the placebo group were monitored for 3 years. The patients were required to record each use of an antiallergy medication on a diary card.

Results

Thirty-eight patients completed 3 years (preseasonal) of SLIT, and 34 subjects finished the placebo treatment in the same time period. The total nasal symptom score decreased by 64% in the active group and 7% in the placebo group a SLIT. This difference was only significant in the active group (p < 0.05). At the end of therapy, the total medication score of the active group decreased significantly by a maximum of 51% (p < 0.05), whereas the total medication score of the placebo group had an insignificant decrease. None of the study participants had systemic adverse reactions during the study period.

Conclusions

SLIT in elderly patients with a grass pollen allergy generated significant clinical improvement in the active group compared with the placebo group for grass pollen season. This therapy was well tolerated.
International Study of the Incidence of Particular Types of Septal Deformities in Chronic Rhinosinusitis Patients: The Outcomes from Five Countries
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Acar Mustafa , Skitarelić Neven , Markešić Josip , Vugrinec Ozren , Passali Desiderio , Bellussi Luisa , Passali Giulio Cesare , Passali Francesco Maria , Lopatin Andrey , Kirdeeva Alena , Ivanchenko Olga , Sarafoleanu Codrut , Negrila Andreea Mezei , Manea Claudiu
Published: September 2014

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) may be more frequent in patients with particular types of septal deformities. The aim of this article was to investigate the incidence of particular types of septal deformities in adult CRS patients and healthy volunteers in various countries to determine whether some of them are more frequent in those groups.

Methods

This international multicentric study involved 505 subjects from five countries: Croatia, Romania, Italy, Russia, and Turkey. The types of septal deformities were observed and grouped according to the Mladina classification. Subjects were examined by means of native anterior rhinoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy after decongestion, and fiber endoscopy with topical anesthesia. CRS patients have been diagnostically proved by computed tomography scanning of the paranasal sinuses.

Results

Considering the CRS patients, the prevalence of so-called vertical deformities (types 2, 3, and 4) was seen. Among them, type 3 deformity was found most frequently in Turkey, Croatia, Italy, and Romania.

Conclusion

Type 3 deformity has been found frequently in CRS patients in all five of the countries. Russian subjects exhibited a high frequency of type 4 deformity. Because this type consists of types 2 and 3, the later, again, has been proven to be prevalent in CRS patients also in this group of patients.
Automated Design of Optimal Finite Thrust Orbit Insertion with Ballistic Flyby Constraints
Authors: Jesick Mark , Ocampo Cesar
Published: September 2014

An automated method is developed to generate a minimum-fuel, finite thrust orbit insertion sequence while simultaneously generating a flyby trajectory of the same body that satisfies pre- and postflyby conditions in a general force field with ephemeris-level dynamics. The initial estimate requires no user input, and an impulsive solution is automatically converted to an optimal finite thrust transfer. As part of the initial estimate, a new method of generating ephemeris-level single flyby free returns is presented. A hybrid method is implemented for the optimal control solution whereby the costates are added to the vector of free parameters and the cost function is minimized directly. Analytic gradients are derived to decrease computation time and aid convergence of the optimization algorithm. The method is successfully applied in the Earth–moon system with application to human spaceflight and in the Saturn–Titan system with application to robotic spaceflight.
Comparison of transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
Authors: Nahar MN , Quddus MA , Sattar A , Shirin M , Khatun A , Ahmed R , Sultana F
Published: September 2014

This cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Radiology and Imaging, Dhaka Medical College Hospital from July 2008 to June 2010 to compare the accuracy of transvaginal ultrasonography and transabdominal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of clinically suspected cases of ectopic pregnancy. Initially 60 patients with clinical suspicion of ectopic pregnancy were included in this study after analyzing selection criteria 30 patients underwent both transvaginal and transabdominal ultrasonography. Histopathological diagnosis was considered gold standard against which accuracies of two diagnostic modalities were compared. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality in evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancy were 73.1%, 75%, 95%, 30% and 73.3% respectively where as transvaginal ultrasonography was found to have 92.3% sensitivity, 75% specificity, 96% positive predictive value, 60% negative predictive value and 90% accuracy. Transvaginal ultrasonography was superior to transabdominal ultrasonography in the evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancies .so, transvaginal ultrasonography is important for early and accurate diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20309 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 104-108
Ocular injury: Prevalence in different rural population of Bangladesh
Authors: Khan AK
Published: September 2014

This population based cross-sectional study was conducted on 8283 persons of all ages in five districts, selected conveniently, to assess the magnitude of ocular injuries, their causes and consequences in rural Bangladesh. Six Upazilas from five districts and from each Upazila one Union was selected randomly. One village, the ultimate cluster, was then selected conveniently from each Union. All people (n = 8283) in the 8 villages were then surveyed. Out of 8283 population (ranging from 1-120 years) surveyed, 167(2%) had history and/or evidence of past ocular trauma with a yearly incidence of 6.2 per 1000 per year. Study demonstrated a female predominance with male to female ratio being roughly 4:5. Majority (82%) had at least one episode of trauma in their life-time with mean age at 1st trauma being 20 years. Nearly 40% of the traumas were caused by blunt objects followed by penetrating object (22.3%) and sharp instrument (18.1%) with home being the primary place of occurrence (55.1%). Evidence of ocular trauma was found on eye-lid (15%), conjunctiva (11.4%) and cornea (10.2%) as scars. The older participants (? 30 years), females, illiterates, agriculture labors, housewives and household workers were more likely to receive trauma. Majority (86.8%) of the subjects received treatment following injury. The median time lapsed between injuries and receiving first treatment was 5 days and that between injury and visiting an eye-specialist was 18 days. Selftreatment and treatment from over-the-counter comprised 45% and 42.1% respectively followed by eye-specialists (25.5%), village quack (22.8%), graduate doctors (19.3%) and traditional healers (6.9%). About 87% received conservative management, with 12.4% needing hospitalization. Most of the injured (92.8%) and non-injured (95.2%) eyes had normal vision before trauma as informed by the respondents. Following trauma, 18% had impaired, 10.7% severely impaired vision and about 6% were blind. Job abstinence due to trauma was 53% with median wage loss being10 days. The study concludes that point-prevalence of ocular trauma in rural area is around 2% with blunt objects commonly causing the trauma and one in every 16 trauma-hit case undergo blind. Addressing blindness from ocular trauma, should, therefore, be a priority for eye care programs in rural Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20314 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 130-138
Auto-analyzer based screening of microcytic hypochromic ratio to differentiate thalassaemia and non thalassemic microcytosis
Authors: Kabir AL , Dipta TF , Rahman MH , Mahfuz H , Ahmed M , Rahman M , Nasreen T
Published: September 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v39i3.20317 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2013; 39: 146-147
Phloem development: Current knowledge and future perspectives
Authors: Heo Jung‐ok , Roszak Pawel , Furuta Kaori M. , Helariutta Ykä
Published: September 2014

Phloem, as a major tissue mediating long‐distance communication, has been an object of extensive research ever since its structure was first reported in 1837. Functional phloem consists of sieve elements (SEs) and companion cells (CCs). While SEs are enucleated conducting cells in the phloem, CCs are cells with intact cellular components and are known to support the functioning of SEs. CCs are closely linked to SEs by symplastic connections mediated by plasmodesmata (PD). Sieve elements are notoriously sensitive to manipulation, which has hampered efforts to investigate their structure using microscopy or histology; phloem thus remains a mysterious tissue almost 200 yr after its discovery. Nevertheless, consistent efforts have overcome many of the technical barriers and generated considerable amounts of data about the structure and function of phloem. Advances in the 1950s and 1960s significantly improved our understanding of phloem anatomy and function. A major function of the phloem is to establish symplastic connections throughout the plant body, delivering nutrients and various signaling molecules, which play pivotal roles in growth and development. Despite the importance of phloem, details about the molecular mechanisms responsible for the establishment and maintenance of phloem continuity remain elusive.
Protein-coated pH-responsive gold nanoparticles: Microwave-assisted synthesis and surface charge-dependent anticancer activity
Authors: Joseph Dickson , Tyagi Nisha , Geckeler Christian , E.Geckeler Kurt
Published: September 2014

The biocompatibility and ease of functionalization of gold nanoparticles underlie significant potential in biotechnology and biomedicine. Eight different proteins were examined in the preparation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in aqueous medium under microwave irradiation. Six of the proteins resulted in the formation of AuNPs. The intrinsic pH of the proteins played an important role in AuNPs with strong surface plasmon bands. The hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles was larger than the values observed by TEM and ImageJ. The formation of a protein layer on the AuNPs accounts for this difference. The AuNPs exhibited sensitivity towards varying pH conditions, which was confirmed by determining the difference in the isoelectric points studied by using pH-dependent zeta potential titration. Cytotoxicity studies revealed anticancerous effects of the AuNPs at a certain micromolar concentration by constraining the growth of cancer cells with different efficacies due to the use of different proteins as capping agents. The positively charged AuNPs are internalized by the cells to a greater level than the negatively charged AuNPs. These AuNPs synthesized with protein coating holds promise as anticancer agents and would help in providing a new paradigm in area of nanoparticles.
Chiral phosphines in nucleophilic organocatalysis
Authors: Xiao Yumei , Sun Zhanhu , Guo Hongchao , Kwon Ohyun
Published: September 2014

This review discusses the tertiary phosphines possessing various chiral skeletons that have been used in asymmetric nucleophilic organocatalytic reactions, including annulations of allenes, alkynes, and Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) acetates, carbonates, and ketenes with activated alkenes and imines, allylic substitutions of MBH acetates and carbonates, Michael additions, γ-umpolung additions, and acylations of alcohols.
Designing Ensemble Based Security Framework for M-Learning System
Authors: Mahalingam Sheila , Abdollah Mohd Faizal , Sahibuddin Shahrin bin
Published: September 2014

Mobile Learning has a potential to improve efficiency in the education sector and expand educational opportunities to underserved remote area in higher learning institutions. However there are multi challenges in different altitude faced when introducing and implementing m-learning. Despite the evolution of technology changes in education, unfocused issues are security management even though statistically proven; threats are increasing each day on mobile application and ensemble devices. In order to provide a secure guideline for m-learning platform, an ensemble based security framework for mobile learning is proposed and improved. One of the major benefits in the framework is it integrates the security with dependability to provide trustworthiness in learner and providers perspective.
Review of fMRI Data Analysis
Authors: Parida Shantipriya , Dehuri Satchidananda
Published: September 2014

Classification of brain states obtained through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) poses a serious challenges for neuroimaging community to uncover discriminating patterns of brain state activity that define independent thought processes. This challenge came into existence because of the large number of voxels in a typical fMRI scan, the classifier is presented with a massive feature set coupled with a relatively small training samples. One of the most popular research topics in last few years is the application of machine learning algorithms for mental states classification, decoding brain activation, and finding the variable of interest from fMRI data. In classification scenario, different algorithms have different biases, in the sequel performances differs across datasets, and for a particular dataset the accuracy varies from classifier to classifier. To overcome the limitations of individual techniques, hybridization or fusion of these machine learning techniques emerged in recent years which have shown promising result and open up new direction of research. This paper reviews the machine learning techniques ranging from individual classifiers, ensemble, and hybrid techniques used in cognitive classification with a well balance treatment of their applications, performance, and limitations. It also discusses many open research challenges for further research.
Experimentation and Analysis into Micro-Hole Machining of Ti-6Al-4V by Micro-EDM Using Boron Carbide Powder Mixed De-Ionized Water
Authors: Kibria G. , Shivakoti I. , Bhattacharyya B.
Published: September 2014

In micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), dielectric plays a significant role during the machining process as different types of dielectrics encounters different chemical compositions, cooling rates and dielectric strengths. Therefore, while employing these different dielectrics, dissimilar process responses are accounted when machining in EDM at micron level. The present paper investigates micro-EDM characteristics such as material removal rate (MRR), tool wear rate (TWR), overcut (OC), taperness and machining time (MT) during micro-machining of through holes on Ti-6Al-4V superalloy employing de-ionized water based dielectric other than conventional hydro-carbon oil i.e. kerosene. The paper also includes the comparative study of the micro-EDM machining characteristics employing boron carbide (B4C) powder as additive in de-ionized water dielectric at different discharge energies. The results show that MRR and taper of micro-hole are better and TWR is less employing B4C additive in the dielectric than pure one, i.e. the productivity is improved and same micro-tool can be used for machining an array of micro-holes. Surface topography and recast layer formed during micro-hole machining by micro-EDM has also been investigated based on optical and SEM micrographs. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis of machined surface as well as tool electrode surface has been done and the results show that there is significant amount of infusion of tungsten element onto the machined surface. A significant amount of carbon element is found onto the tool electrode surface.