bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrease in Brain Distribution of Fluvoxamine in Experimental Hyperlipidemic Rats
Authors: Fukushima Keizo , Kobuchi Shinji , Shibata Masakazu , Takada Kanji , Sugioka Nobuyuki
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT: Purpose. Many clinical reports and trials have suggested that fluvoxamine (FLV) reduces plasma lipoprotein levels. However, few studies have reported the effect of plasma lipoproteins on FLV pharmacokinetics. The aim of the present study was to investigate the affinities of FLV to plasma lipoproteins and the effect of plasma lipoproteins on the biodistribution of FLV using an experimental hyperlipidemic (HL) rat model. Methods. HL rats were prepared by intraperitoneal administration of Poloxamer-407 solution (1.0 g/kg). In vitro protein binding and distribution of FLV in plasma lipoproteins were determined in control and HL rats. In vivo pharmacokinetic study (intravenous administration of FLV, 5.0 mg/kg) and biodistribution analysis for brain and liver at a steady state (infusion, 1.5 mg/kg/hr, 6 hrs) were also performed. Results. The plasma protein binding of FLV was around 83% and 95% in control and HL rats, respectively, whereas the FLV recoveries in triglyceride-rich lipoprotein fractions were increased in HL. Therefore, the elevation of lipoproteins was likely responsible for the increase in protein binding in HL. After intravenous administration, the area under the plasma concentration vs. time curve (AUC) in HL was 3.9-fold greater than that in control rats, whereas the distribution ratio of FLV plasma concentration to the brain at a steady state was decreased to approximately 20% of that of the control. Conclusions. FLV has an affinity to plasma lipoproteins, and their elevation might decrease the FLV biodistribution to brain; the plasma lipoprotein levels could not be found to correlate positively with the FLV pharmacokinetic effect in brain, but rather may attenuate it.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Cost-Effectiveness of UGT1A1*28 Genotyping in Preventing Severe Neutropenia Following FOLFIRI Therapy in Colorectal Cancer.
Authors: Pichereau Solen , Le Louarn Anne , Lecomte Thierry , Blasco Hélène , Le Guellec Chantal , Bourgoin Hélène
Published: March 2016

PURPOSE: Functional polymorphisms of the UGT1A1 gene, particularly the UGT1A1*28 variant, are associated with the severity of the bone marrow suppression in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving irinotecan. This study assesses the cost-effectiveness of screening for UGT1A1*28 polymorphism associated with primary prophylactic Granulocytes Colony Stimulating Factor in patients homozygous for the *28 allele. The effectiveness was estimated based on the number of neutropenia avoided. METHODS: We modelled a theoretical population treated with combined 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) for metastatic colorectal cancer. A decision tree simulated the health outcomes, measured by the prevalence of neutropenic events for two strategies, with or without UGT1A1 genotype screening. The model incorporated direct hospital costs and was validated with a sensitivity analysis. We calculated the cost-effectiveness ratio: CE=∆C / ∆E = "genotyping" cost – "no genotyping" cost / number of febrile neutropenia avoided. RESULTS: In the "genotyping strategy", the cost to avoid one febrile neutropenia event per 1000 patients treated was € 942.8 to € 1090.1. The sensitivity analysis showed a better CE ratio of € 733.4 to € 726.6 per febrile neutropenic event avoided.CONCLUSIONS: UGT1A1 genotype screening before irinotecan treatment is a cost-efficient strategy for the hospital. Systematic genotyping prior to chemotherapy, and administration of CSF in patients homozygotes for the *28 allele allow to avoid 91 febrile neutropenias at an acceptable cost.
Publication Planning 101
Authors: Sismondo Sergio , Nicholson Scott Howard
Published: March 2016

Question: This article is a report on a meeting of "publication planning", the organizational and practical work that shapes pharmaceutical companies' data and eventually turns it into medical journal articles, especially those reporting on clinical trials.

Material and Methods: Our report is primarily based on information presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the International Society of Medical Planning Professionals (ISMPP) attended by one of us, including a workshop entitled "Publication Planning 101/201". The article is a narrative review based on statements made at the 2007 ISMPP meeting, on advertisements by publication planning agencies, and on previous reports and background literature.

Findings: We argue that the main purpose of publication planning is to create and communicate scientific information to support the marketing of products. We provide some analysis of the role of publication planning in medical publishing, and its implications for the structuring of medical knowledge. Medical literature relevant to current drugs is to a large extent shaped by commercial interests.
Investigation of the Clinical Efficacy and Dosage of Intravenous Ciprofloxacin in Patients with Respiratory Infection
Authors: Satoh Mitsutoshi
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT - PURPOSE. Infection control is particularly vital in hospitals, and proper use of antimicrobial drugs is one of the most important roles of hospital pharmacists. In this study, we surveyed patients who had been prescribed single-use ciprofloxacin (CPFX), and evaluated the blood concentration of CPFX from the predictive AUC (area under the concentration curve). METHODS. This study was performed retrospectively to 112 adult patients diagnosed as having respiratory infections who had been treated as inpatients with intravenous CPFX for more than 3 days at Toho University Omori Hospital in Tokyo. The predictive AUC of each patient was obtained from the modified formulae reported by Forrest et al. (1993) [1]. The relation between the antimicrobial activity of CPFX and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (Cmax, AUC and AUC/MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration)) was studied. RESULTS. Although CPFX is excreted from the kidney, standard treatment with this drug does not take renal function into consideration. Our results indicated that CPFX was effective in less than 50% of the patients who received it. Moreover, the AUC/MIC ratio in both the effective group and the failure group was less than 125 when the clinical target was gram-negative bacteria. CONCLUSION. These results suggest that the clinical use of CPFX for the treatment of infectious diseases does not reach the target AUC/MIC ratio, and that the concentration of CPFX is not within the range to which many pathogens are susceptible in a large proportion of patients. To ensure the effective treatment of patients with infectious diseases and to prevent the development of resistance in bacteria, we recommend therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of CPFX in hospitals.
Coamorphous Atorvastatin Calcium to Improve its Physicochemical and Pharmacokinetic Properties
Authors: Shayanfar Ali , Ghavimi Hamed , Hamishekar Hamed , Jouyban Abolghasem
Published: March 2016

Purpose: Atorvastatin calcium (ATC) is classified as class II (low solubility and high permeability) compound according to the biopharmaceutical classification system. The amorphous form of ATC possesses higher solubility, dissolution rate, and bioavailability than its crystalline form. Coamorphous drug system is a new and emerging method to prepare stable amorphous forms, in this case leading to the improved stability of ATC in dissolution medium. Methods: In this study, coamorphous form of ATC and nicotinamide (ATC-NIC) was  prepared from solvent evaporation method and characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD). The intrinsic dissolution rate and solubility of ATC-NIC were determined along with plasma concentrations of ATC using HPLC after oral dosing in rats. Results: The crystalline ATC was converted to coamorphous form revealing a molecular interaction between ATC and NIC. The intrinsic dissolution rate, solubility and plasma concentration of coamorphous ATC-NIC are higher than those of crystalline ATC. ATC-NIC coamorphous system showed greater solution stability than those reported in the literature for amorphous ATC.   Conclusions: Coamorphous ATC-NIC has improved physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties as compared to ATC. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Sample Sizes for Designing Bioequivalence Studies for Highly Variable Drugs
Authors: Endrenyi Laszlo , Tothfalusi Laszlo
Published: March 2016

Purpose. To provide tables of sample sizes which are required, by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), for the design of bioequivalence (BE) studies involving highly variable drugs. To elucidate the complicated features of the relationship between sample size and within-subject variation. Methods. 3- and 4-period studies were simulated with various sample sizes. They were evaluated, at various variations and various true ratios of the two geometric means (GMR), by the approaches of scaled average BE and by average BE with expanding limits. The sample sizes required for yielding 80% and 90% statistical powers were determined. Results. Because of the complicated regulatory expectations, the features of the required sample sizes are also complicated. When the true GMR = 1.0 then, without additional constraints, the sample size is independent of the intrasubject variation. When the true GMR is increased or decreased from 1.0 then the required sample sizes rise at above but close to 30% variation. An additional regulatory constraint on the point estimate of GMR and a cap on the use of expanding limits further increase the required sample size at high variations. Fewer subjects are required by the FDA than by the EMA procedures. Conclusions. The methods proposed by EMA and FDA lower the required sample sizes in comparison with unscaled average BE. However, each additional regulatory requirement (applying the mixed procedure, imposing a constraint on the point estimate of GMR, and using a cap on the application of expanding limits) raises the required number of subjects.

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Galvanostatic Stripping Chronopotentiometric Study for Determination of Selenium: Pharmacokinetic Application in Experimental Mice
Authors: Matar Kamal , Plankova Alexandra , Rauko Peter , Novotny Ladislav
Published: March 2016

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine selenium content in various tissues of the mouse employing galvanostatic stripping chronopotentiometry (SCP) technique and to investigate its distribution profile as well as its pharmacokinetics in mouse model. Methods: The animals received 0.25 µg/g Se orally for 1 week. Samples of whole blood and various tissues comprising kidney, liver, brain were harvested from mice and then analysed for Se content employing SCP technique. Results: Selenium tissue concentrations in mouse showed that the maximum Se levels in most tissues were attained at 3-4 days following its administration. Furthermore, the pharmacokinetic profile of Se in mouse exhibits that it is slowly absorbed from the gastrointesinal tract (GIT) reaching a plateau in 4 days and then it is slowly eliminated from the body with a half-life of about 4.5 days. Conclusions: Selenium distributes in whole blood as well as various tissues of the mouse with high concentrations in kidney and liver and low levels in blood and brain tissues. The absorption of Se from the GIT was very slow and the data suggest that the elimination of Se seems to be from the kidney at very slow rates as well. The data of the present study however, suggest that Se remains in the mouse body for a long period of time.
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Technology, its Scope and Applications in Therapy and Drug Delivery
Authors: Phenix Christopher Peter , Togtema Melissa , Pichardo Samuel , Zehbe Ingeborg , Curiel Laura
Published: March 2016

Ultrasonography is a safe, inexpensive and wide-spread diagnostic tool capable of producing real-time non-invasive images without significant biological effects. However, the propagation of higher energy, intensity and frequency ultrasound waves through living tissues can induce thermal, mechanical and chemical effects useful for a variety of therapeutic applications. With the recent development of clinically approved High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) systems, therapeutic ultrasound is now a medical reality.  Indeed, HIFU has been used for the thermal ablation of pathological lesions; localized, minimally invasive ultrasound-mediated drug delivery through the transient formation of pores on cell membranes; the temporary disruption of skin and the blood brain barrier; the ultrasound induced break-down of blood clots; and the targeted release of drugs using ultrasound and temperature sensitive drug carriers. This review seeks to engage the pharmaceutical research community by providing an overview on the biological effects of ultrasound as well as highlighting important therapeutic applications, current deficiencies and future directions.This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.
Regulatory and Study Conditions for the Determination of Bioequivalence of Highly Variable Drugs
Authors: Endrenyi Laszlo , Tothfalusi Laszlo
Published: March 2016

Purpose. The FDA Working Group on Highly Variable (HV) Drugs recently presented interim procedures and conditions for determining the bioequivalence (BE) of HV drug products. They included analysis by the method of scaled average BE (SABE), a switching coefficient of variation of CVS = 30% and a regulatory standardized variation of CV0 = 25% for applying SABE, and the use of a secondary regulatory criterion restricting to 0.80-1.25 the point estimate for the ratio of estimated geometric means (GMR) of the two formulations. These conditions are scrutinized in the present communication.

Methods. 3-period BE studies were simulated with various statistical and regulatory assumptions. Power curves, obtained by gradually increasing the true GMR, compared

performances of the methods of SABE, a constrained point estimate of GMR (PE/GMR), and the composite of these two approaches. The consumer risk of each procedure was evaluated.

Results. With CV0 = 30% and PE/GMR = 0.80-1.25, the composite criterion of BE relied on the confidence limits of SABE. In contrast, with CV0 = 25% and/or PE/GMR = 0.87-1.15, the composite criterion approached almost completely the features of the GMR point estimate, especially at high within-subject variation. The consumer risk was near 5% with CV0 = 30% but much higher when CV0 = 25%.

Conclusions. The condition of CVS = CV0 = 30% and PE/GMR = 0.80-1.25 is recommended as a composite regulatory criterion. With alternative settings of the conditions, such as the recommended CV0 = 25% and/or PE/GMR = 0.87-1.15, the composite criterion would reflect almost entirely the GMR point estimate. This would be an undesirable outcome.
ANÁLISE DE RISCO FAMILIAR NA ESTRATÉGIA SAÚDE DA FAMÍLIA: UMA VIVÊNCIA COMPARTILHADA ENTRE PRECEPTORES, DISCENTES E AGENTES COMUNITÁRIOS DE SAÚDE
Authors: Melo Ricardo Henrique Vieira , Vilar Rosana Lúcia Alves , Ferreira Antônio Fabiano , Pereira Eduardo Judene Silva , Carneiro Naiara Estefânia Alves , Freitas Nathália Gabrielle Henrique Bezerra , Júnior José Diniz
Published: March 2016

O estudo do risco familiar deve ser pautado nas teias dos significados sociais que o próprio homem tece e destece no cotidiano, em meio ao que extravasa das casualidades e nas relações e determinações sociais. A Estratégia Saúde da Família carreia o dilema da priorização da atenção às famílias de maior vulnerabilidade biológica e social. Este artigo tem o objetivo de relatar os resultados da validação de um instrumento utilizado para estratificação de risco familiar para priorização de visitas domiciliares. Foram utilizados registros de observações em diário de campo e dos portfólios de aprendizagem dos alunos dos cursos da área de saúde da UFRN. O estudo foi realizado durante o primeiro semestre letivo do ano de 2013. Inicialmente foram realizadas rodas de leitura entre o Grupo Tutorial do PET-Saúde, Profissionais do NASF, Agentes Comunitários de Saúde e demais trabalhadores da unidade. Em seguida, a escala foi aplicada em regime de mutirão por grupos de trabalho compostos por Agentes de Saúde e Monitores supervisionados por Preceptores. Foram analisadas 1904 fichas “A” do Sistema de Informação da Atenção Básica. Os escores gerais foram semelhantes, entretanto as micro áreas compostas por conjuntos habitacionais mostraram menor risco quando comparadas com as micro áreas constituídas por loteamentos, vilas residenciais e terrenos baldios. Foram observadas médias de 5,8% (equipe 046) e 6,7% (equipe 048) de famílias classificadas como de alto risco. A escala foi pertinente, entretanto é necessário maior investimento em outras ferramentas de análise das condições de vulnerabilidade não contempladas pela escala, tais como: condições de higiene, poluição local, condutas pessoais de alimentação, sedentarismo, aspectos relacionais, interpessoais e criminais. O estudo proporcionou aos discentes uma melhor compreensão da interface entre saúde, doença e cuidado, durante o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, multiplicando as frentes de trabalho em direção à discussão e construção de Projetos Terapêuticos Singulares compartilhados pela tocada interdisciplinar. Palavras-chaves: Estratégia Saúde da Família, Risco Familiar, Vulnerabilidade Social.
OTIMIZAÇÃO TOPOLÓGICA 3D SOB RESTRIÇÃO DE TENSÃO
Authors: Coutinho Karilany Dantas , Costa Júnior João Carlos Arantes , Alves Marcelo Krajnc , Guerra Neto Custódio Leopoldino Brito , Wanderley Caroline Dantas Vilar
Published: March 2016

O problema de otimização topológica é utilizado para caracterizar e determinar a distribuição ótima de material no espaço de projeto. Em outras palavras, após serem definidas as condições de contorno num domínio de projeto pré-estabelecido, o problema é como distribuir o material de modo a solucionar o problema de minimização. Sendo assim, o problema de otimização de leiaute pode ser considerado como um problema pontual material/vazio. Este trabalho tem como objetivo propor um processo metodológico para a determinação de leiautes estruturais ótimos, que seja competitivo para utilização em problemas 3D, minimizando a massa e satisfazendo um critério de tensão. O método de otimização de leiaute empregado é baseado na abordagem material, que considera uma equação constitutiva homogeneizada dependente apenas da densidade relativa do material. Para a descrição das propriedades do material, utiliza-se uma formulação de microestruturas porosas, caracterizado pelo modelo material do tipo SIMP. Na aproximação por elementos finitos utiliza-se um elemento tetraedro de quatro nós, que interpola linearmente o campo de densidades relativas além das componentes do campo de deslocamentos. Com as considerações propostas foi obtido um leiaute que caracteriza a topologia estrutural de problemas 3D, atendendo a solução de problema de modo competitivo. A formulação se mostrou promissora para a implementação de recursos de adaptatividade.
Relief of Injection Pain During Delivery of Local Anesthesia by Computer‐Controlled Anesthetic Delivery System for Periodontal Surgery: Randomized Clinical Controlled Trial
Authors: Chang Hyeyoon , Noh Jiyoung , Lee Jungwon , Kim Sungtae , Koo Ki‐Tae , Kim Tae‐Il , Seol Yang‐Jo , Lee Yong‐Moo , Ku Young , Rhyu In‐Chul
Published: March 2016

Background: Pain from local anesthetic injection makes patients anxious when visiting a dental clinic. This study aims to determine differences in pain according to types of local anesthetizing methods and to identify the possible contributing factors (e.g., dental anxiety, stress, and sex).

Methods: Thirty‐one patients who underwent open‐flap debridement in maxillary premolar and molar areas during treatment for chronic periodontitis were evaluated for this study. A randomized, split‐mouth, single‐masked clinical trial was implemented. The dental anxiety scale (DAS) and perceived stress scale (PSS) were administered before surgery. Two lidocaine ampules for each patient were used for local infiltration anesthesia (supraperiosteal injection). Injection pain was measured immediately after local infiltration anesthesia using the visual analog pain scale (VAS) questionnaire. Results from the questionnaire were used to assess degree of pain patients feel when a conventional local anesthetic technique (CNV) is used compared with a computer‐controlled anesthetic delivery system (CNR).

Results: DAS and PSS did not correlate to injection pain. VAS scores were lower for CNR than for CNV regardless of the order in which anesthetic procedures were applied. VAS score did not differ significantly with sex. Pearson coefficient for correlation between VAS scores for the two procedures was 0.80, also indicating a strong correlation.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, relief from injection pain is observed using CNR.
Potential Role of Long Non‐Coding RNA in Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells
Authors: Qu Qian , Fang Fuchun , Wu Buling , Hu Yanwei , Chen Ming , Deng Zilong , Ma Dandan , Chen Ting , Hao Yilin , Ge Yihong
Published: March 2016

Background: Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of eukaryotic gene expression and have been shown to regulate various modular components of development and differentiation. However, the roles of lncRNAs in the regulation of osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) remain poorly understood.

Methods: Expression patterns of lncRNA and messenger RNA (mRNA) during osteogenic differentiation were profiled using microarray analysis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to validate the microarray data. Biologic functions of candidates were revealed by: 1) cluster analysis; 2) gene ontology (GO); and 3) pathway analysis. Coding–non‐coding gene coexpression (CNC) networks were constructed to investigate potential regulatory roles of lncRNAs and osteogenesis‐related mRNAs.

Results: After osteoinduction, 3,557 mRNAs and 2,171 lncRNAs were differentially expressed, of which 994 lncRNAs were upregulated and 1,177 were downregulated (fold change >2.0 or <−2.0; P <0.05). Cluster analysis showed that lncRNAs and mRNAs from the experimental and control groups belonged to different clusters. GO analysis demonstrated that: 1) cellular process; 2) biologic regulation; and 3) regulation of biologic process were the most significant groups related to induction. Pathway analysis indicated that 83 pathways corresponded to differentially expressed mRNAs, including: 1) mitogen‐activated protein kinase; 2) vascular endothelial growth factor; and 3) transforming growth factor‐β signaling pathways. CNC network analysis indicated that 393 lncRNAs were closely related to osteogenesis‐related mRNAs.

Conclusions: Expression profiles of lncRNAs and mRNAs were significantly altered during osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs. This result suggests that lncRNAs may play crucial roles in this process and could regulate mRNA expression.
Ozone Therapy Enhances Osseous Healing in Rats With Diabetes With Calvarial Defects: A Morphometric and Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Alpan Aysan Lektemur , Toker Hülya , Ozer Hatice
Published: March 2016

Background: Bone healing is impaired in diabetes mellitus (DM) cases. The aim of this study is to investigate, both morphometrically and immunohistochemically, the effect of gaseous ozone on bone healing in diabetic rat calvarial defects treated with xenografts.

Methods: DM was induced with 50 mg/kg intraperitoneal streptozotocin in 56 male Wistar rats. Study groups were as follows: 1) empty defect (control, n = 14); 2) xenograft (XG, n = 14); 3) empty defect treated with ozone therapy (control + ozone, n = 14); and 4) xenograft and ozone application (XG + ozone, n = 14). Critical‐size defects were created in all rats. Bovine‐derived xenograft was applied to XG groups. Gaseous ozone was applied on the operation day and daily for 2 weeks (140 ppm at 2 L/d, 2.24 mg). Rats were sacrificed at 4 or 8 weeks post‐surgery. Total bone area, newly formed bone, and residual graft material were measured histomorphometrically. Osteocalcin and bone morphogenic protein (BMP)‐2 expression was evaluated immunohistochemically.

Results: Osteoclast numbers in the XG + ozone group were higher than the other groups at week 4 (P <0.05). XG + ozone group revealed more total bone area and new bone area than the XG group at weeks 4 (P <0.05) and 8 (P >0.05). Residual graft materials were decreased in the XG + ozone group and the same group revealed more BMP‐2 positivity compared with other groups. Osteocalcin positivity in XG groups was higher than in control groups.

Conclusion: Within the limitations of this DM animal study, gaseous ozone application accelerates xenograft resorption and enhances bone regeneration, especially in the early stages of bone healing.
Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy Reduces Saliva Adipokine and Matrix Metalloproteinase Levels in Periodontitis
Authors: Özcan Erkan , Işıl Saygun N. , Serdar Muhittin A. , Umut Bengi V. , Kantarcı Alpdoğan
Published: March 2016

Background: Adipokines enhance the synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which play a role in extracellular matrix degeneration. The aim of this study is to determine the levels of some adipokines, proinflammatory cytokines, and MMPs in the saliva of patients with periodontitis and healthy individuals and to evaluate the changes after non‐surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).

Methods: Of 32 individuals included in the study, 17 had periodontitis and 15 had healthy gingiva. Saliva samples were obtained from all individuals. In patients with periodontitis, samples were recollected 3 and 6 months after NSPT. Visfatin, chemerin, progranulin, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐8, MMP‐8, and MMP‐13 levels were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: In patients with periodontitis, all of the parameters measured in the saliva were higher than those of healthy individuals. At 3 months, visfatin, progranulin, IL‐8, and MMP‐8 levels were significantly decreased compared with baseline values. The levels of other biochemical parameters, chemerin and IL‐1β, were significantly decreased compared with baseline values at 6 months, and the levels became similar to those in healthy individuals. In the periodontitis group, positive correlations were found among visfatin and IL‐8 (r = 0.909, P <0.01), MMP‐8 (r = 0.702, P = 0.02), and MMP‐13 (r = 0.781, P = 0.01); chemerin and IL‐8 (r = 0.913, P <0.01), MMP‐8 (r = 0.770, P <0.01), and MMP‐13 (r = 0.788, P <0.01); and progranulin and IL‐8 (r = 0.762, P <0.01), MMP‐8 (r = 0.845, P <0.01), and MMP‐13 (r = 0.813, P <0.01).

Conclusion: Adipokines may contribute to the breakdown of periodontal tissue in periodontitis by stimulating the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and MMPs.
Toward A Mentoring Model For Promotion And Tenure: Progress And Pitfalls
Authors: Duranczyk Irene M. , Madyun Naim , Jehangir Rashne R. , Higbee Jeanne L.
Published: March 2016

This article provides a qualitative analysis of a pretenure mentoring model that was designed to enhance the likelihood of retaining diverse faculty recruited for a multidisciplinary undergraduate department.The data capture the experiences of pretenure and tenured faculty after the first 4 years of the implementation of this mentoring system.The mentoring system and data collection process are described, followed by the research findings and implications for practice.
Is High School Grade Point Average A Sufficient Measure For Admission To College English Departments?
Authors: Alwahibee Khalid Mohammed
Published: March 2016

This paper tried to investigate the differences between two groups of students who have been admitted to the English departments based on two different methods of admission. The first group (A) was admitted directly to the department based on their high school GPA, while the other group (B) was admitted based on the level of their replacement test which placed them into the intensive English program. The results of the study showed that more (22.2%) of the students, who directly admitted to the department, were at risk of failure. On the other hand, students who have studied in the intensive English program before being admitted to the English department, showed better result since (4%) of the students were at risk of failure. The answers of the rest of questions on this paper were in favor of group (B). Finally this paper presented some valuable suggestion which are useful for English department administrator.
The Effects Of Teacher- And School-Level Factors On Teachers Participation In Professional Development Activities: The Role Of Principal Leadership
Authors: Gumus Sedat
Published: March 2016

It is well reported in the literature that professional development activities have great potential to increase teachers competencies in different areas, resulting in greater learning opportunities for students. In Turkey, however, teachers participation in professional development activities is significantly lower compared to almost all developed countries. In this context, this study aims to explore the different teacher- and school-level factors associated with teachers participation in professional development activities in Turkey by using a nationally representative data set from the Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS) and employing a multi-level statistical analysis with Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). Results of the study show that several teacher- and school-level factors are significantly associated with teachers level of participation in professional development activities in Turkey. Specifically, the significant role of school principals in teachers professional development is explored. It is therefore suggested that school principals should be educated on the importance of in-service professional development activities for teachers and their significant role in this matter.
Team Transformational Leadership, Trust, Satisfaction, And Commitment: The Testing Of A Structural Equation Model In Software Development Teams
Authors: Hsu Shih-Yi Clark , Mujtaba Bahaudin G.
Published: March 2016

This paper studied the relationship among team transformational leadership, team trust, job satisfaction, and team commitment of the team members in software development teams in the United States of America. A total of 5,375 surveys were distributed and only 69 respondents completed the online survey. Based upon 65 validated respondents, this study conducted a confirmatory factor analysis and evaluated the direct and indirect weights of path coefficients among the latent variables at 5% level of significance. The results using path analysis indicate that team transformational leadership is strongly positively related to team empowerment (r= .86, p= .00) and team trust (r= .82, p= .00) in software development teams while team empowerment (r= .27, p=. 55) and team trust (r= .29, p= .55) are not related to job satisfaction in software development teams. There is a slight positive relationship between team job satisfaction and the team commitment (r= .18, p= .04).
Rankings In The Euro Zone Based On Macroeconomic Information
Authors: Garcia-Centeno Ma Carmen , Uxo Jorge , Minguez Roman
Published: March 2016

One consequence of the Great Recession that began in 2008 has been the sovereign debt crisis within the European Monetary Union (EMU) and the increasing risk premium associated with government debt of "peripheral" countries (primarily, Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Spain). Firstly, this paper analyses what macroeconomic variables are more related with the evolution of the risk premium, using panel data estimation. Secondly, we also try to sort the countries belonging to the monetary union in terms of their likelihood of experiencing an increase in the risk premium. To this purpose, we use discrete multicriteria decision aid methods.
Audit Committees Oversight Of Information Technology Risk
Authors: Hadden Linda B. , Hermanson Dana R. , DeZoort F. Todd
Published: March 2016

This exploratory study examines the role of the audit committee in overseeing information technology (IT) risk. We address the degree of audit committee oversight of specific IT risks, as well as factors associated with variations in audit committee IT oversight. Based on responses from 39 audit committee members, we found (1) little audit committee emphasis on oversight of IT risks, (2) audit committees involved with IT oversight focus on more traditional risks (e.g., monitoring), while very little attention is devoted to IT acquisition and implementation, and (3) the amount of IT oversight is positively associated with the responding members auditing experience and prior familiarity with the COBIT model for assessing IT risks. Audit committee independence, diligence, and expertise, company size, and industry were not significantly associated with IT oversight.
Effect Of Instructor-Provided Concept Maps And Self-Directed Learning Ability On Students Online Hypermedia Learning Performance
Authors: Chou Pao-Nan
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this experimental study was to explore the instructional effectiveness of integrating varied instructor-provided concept maps into an online hypertext learning environment, and the effect of learners self-directed learning abilities on their learning performance. The research adopted a randomized posttest with two-control-group design. Two major instructional treatments were traditional and interactive concept maps embedded in the online hypertext material. One hundred twenty-six undergraduate students from a public university in the U.S. participated in the study. Student participants were segregated into two levels of self-directed learning groups. Three criterion tests, including identification, terminology, and comprehension tests, were used to measure students learning performance. Results indicated that (a) the interactive concept map was superior to the traditional concept map in facilitating students knowledge acquisition, (b) students self-directed learning abilities did not influence their learning performance, and (c) the concept mapping strategy did not increase students self-directed learning abilities.
Visual Inspirations: The Pedagogical And Cultural Significance Of Creative Posters In The Art Classroom
Authors: Hasio Cindy
Published: March 2016

Creative posters in the classroom can inspire students to become engaged and motivated in learning art. Within the classroom, there are many places to put posters so that students can read them (especially when they get bored in the classroom) - on the cabinets, near the chalkboard, on the teachers desk and any spare space on the wall.There is cultural significance for using creative posters in the classroom; like advertising - the posters operate on a cultural level to provide symbolic associations between images, media figures, and values related to the students lifestyle (Alperstein, 2003). Creating creative posters for a lesson, discussion, or example as part of this lesson helps students develop their critical thinking skills.
From Newton To Gates-Digital Principia
Authors: Beckwith E. George , Cunniff Daniel T.
Published: March 2016

Computers are becoming the norm for teaching and learning. The Internet gives people ready access to text, visual and audio messages from around the world. For teachers, content is critical and the future dictates the need for major changes in the role of the teacher and learner. Today’s digital tools and video games have proven to be well known motivators. This paper stressed the importance for educators to develop content using these tools and games. We are in the world of interaction and need to be prepared for even more technological advancements. To the extent that instructors keep up with future innovations, will dictate how well these challenges are met and utilized for the betterment of the teaching/learning process.
Students Perceptions Of Cheating And Plagiarism In Higher Institutions
Authors: Owunwanne Daniel , Rustagi Narendra , Dada Remi
Published: March 2016

There is a growing body of evidence that cheating and plagiarism are prominent problems in many universities. In informal conversations, it seems that different students perceive plagiarism differently.  In this paper, we conducted a survey at Howard University to examine or to follow up with this growing trend. Specifically, team leaders in school of business were surveyed early in the Spring Semester of 2010 at a meeting and Freshmen were given the same survey at the end of the semester after their final examination. From the data generated in this survey, we determined the prevalence of cheating and the reasons why students cheat. This report is of great importance because it exposes the extent of academic dishonesty and, if successfully implemented, it could provide resources that would aid universities in solving the cheating problem.
Características clínico-patológicas de las pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins entre 1998 y 2002.
Authors: LUGLIO VILLANUEVA Jesús Mario , DÍAZ LEDESMA Lizeth , CÁCERES CHU Eduardo
Published: March 2016

Objetivos: Determinar las características clínicas y patológicas de las pacientes con diagnóstico de embarazo ectópico en el Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) entre 1998 y 2002. Material y Métodos: En un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo se incluyó 203 casos de embarazo ectópico entre enero de 1998 y diciembre del 2002 en el HNERM. Resultados: Se encontró una frecuencia de 0,55%. El mayor porcentaje de pacientes presentó una edad entre 25-39años (89,17%), menarquia entre 9–13años (66,50%), edad gestacional entre 6–8sem (48,77%). La cirugía abdomino-pélvica fue el antecedente más frecuente en 102 (50,24%) pacientes y el método anticonceptivo más usado fue el DIU en 45 (22,16%) pacientes. El método de ayuda diagnóstica más usado fue la ecografía en 201 (99,01%) pacientes seguido por 2HCG en 104 (51,23%) pacientes. Se registraron 197 (97,04%) embarazos tubáricos: 47,72% ampulares, 29,44% ítsmicos, 7,11% intersticiales, 4,06% fímbricos y en 11,67% casos no se preciso su localización. Se registraron 6 (2,96%) embarazos extratubáricos: 3 (1,48%) casos a nivel ovárico, 2 (0,99%) casos a nivel cervical y 1 (0,49%) caso abdominal. Conclusión: La frecuencia del embarazo ectópico fue 0,55%.
Síntomas relacionados a trastornos del sueño en supuestos sanos que asisten a un centro de Atención Primaria de Salud.
Authors: REY DE CASTRO MUJICA Jorge , ALVAREZ MAYORGA Jimy , GAFFO LLONTOP Angelo
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Evaluar los síntomas relacionados a trastornos del sueño en una población supuestamente sana. Material y Métodos: El estudio fue transversal y descriptivo en adultos supuestos sanos que asistieron a un centro de atención primaria de salud. Se confeccionó una encuesta auto administrada y validada por nosotros. La muestra final de 590 encuestados que corresponde al 28% de la población general de 17 ó más años que vive en el área de influencia. Resultados: Edad promedio fue 32,21+10,62 [16-74] años, 318 (54%) hombres e IMC promedio 25,25+3,75 [16,5-39,8] Kg/m2. Afirmaron presentar ronquido 27% (84/315) de los hombres y 18% (50/269) de mujeres. Refirieron pausas respiratorias durante el sueño 11 % (37/313) de los hombres y 16% (43/264) de mujeres. Reconocieron somnolencia diurna 30% (96/316) de los hombres y 31% (84/271) de las mujeres. Hubo insomnio de conciliación en 61% (194/318) de los hombres y 60% (162/269) de mujeres. Para el caso del insomnio de mantenimiento las frecuencias fueron 41% (126/307) y 46% (119/258) respectivamente. Refirieron despertarse más temprano de lo deseado 59% (189/318) de los hombres y 55% (147/266) de mujeres. Síntomas sugestivos de síndrome de piernas inquietas en 36% (111/307) de los hombres y 32% (82/255) mujeres. Refirieron síntomas relacionados a mioclonus nocturno 24% (77/315) hombres y 23% (62/268) mujeres. Según los encuestados, 33% (196) consideró que tenía algún problema para dormir. Sólo el 16 % (32/196) consultó al médico por dicha razón. Conclusiones: Los resultados de la encuesta muestran la elevada frecuencia de los síntomas asociados a diversos trastornos de sueño así como los cambios observados de acuerdo al género y la edad. La escasa importancia que los médicos y pacientes conceden al tema, justifican la implementación de intervenciones educativas en ambos casos.
La planificación estratégica como aprendizaje.
Authors: LIP LICHAM Cesar
Published: March 2016

No person or organization knows enough like to solve everything in advance. Although big lines can betraced to guide institutional work, the unpredictable become forces them to develop active learning actioncourses. Of these courses, the strategic planning is the one that had produced the optimum and the mostlingering successful results. The strategic learning implies that the person or organization has to mobilizein a continuous line which extreme limits are, on one hand, the totally premeditated strategies, and on theother hand, the fully emergent strategies. To learn strategically it is required to release the mind in orderto slip flexibly in the continuous line and to accomplish that the possible action courses will be created froma fertile dialogue between the thought and the action. In this article we describe the main prior andcurrent ideas of the strategic planning, that considered as a learning process, has a paradoxical nature,where the final product is the process.
Absceso subperióstico de la órbita de foco dentario: Reporte de un caso.
Authors: TORRES COTRINA Félix Antonio , HERNÁNDEZ PEÑA Arturo Gabriel , ZEVALLOS DELGADO Iris María , BARRIGA SALAVERRY Guillermo Claudio , PEÑA TORRES Antonio Alberto , ORNA COSTA Jorge , CARDENAS MERINO Alfonso
Published: March 2016

Un paciente varón de 35 años fue admitido en el Servicio de Oftalmología del Hospital Nacional Arzobispo Loayza con una historia de 15 días de proptosis, diplopía, limitación de la motilidad ocular, dolor y agudeza visual de cuenta dedos a 40 cm en su ojo izquierdo. No hubo antecedentes de fiebre, trauma, sinusitis, ni evidencia de medicación previa. Tuvo caries dentales sin tratamiento. Se instaló terapia con corticoide pensando en un síndrome inflamatorio inespecífico de la órbita. Una semana después se obtuvo material purulento después de una aspiración con aguja fina, por lo que se inició terapia antibiótica. Luego de la punción-aspiración los signos orbitarios empeoraron pero a los pocos días se obtuvo buena respuesta. Se discute el caso y se revisa la literatura pertinente.
Evaluación de un programa controlado de tuberculosis en un centro periférico de Lima.
Authors: BERNABE ORTIZ Antonio , VARGAS PACHERREZ Daniel
Published: March 2016

Objetivo: Evaluar y analizar la evolución de la tuberculosis desde el año 2000 al 2004 en una zona urbano marginal de Lima. Materiales y métodos: Este es un estudio observacional de reporte de casos, realizado en Pampas de San Juan desde enero del 2000 hasta diciembre del 2004. Los datos se obtuvieron del Libro de Sintomáticos respiratorios y del Libro de Evolución y seguimiento de casos de tuberculosis del programa. Resultados: Se diagnosticaron 694 casos de tuberculosis en el periodo de estudio, de los cuales 528 casos eran nuevos (76,1%). La forma pulmonar fue la más diagnosticada con 530 casos, teniendo el 82,1% baciloscopía positiva. La incidencia ha disminuido desde 208.96 hasta 187.05 por 100000 habitantes. La condición de egreso hasta fines del 2003 fue de 427 curados (87,5%), 27 abandonos (5,5%), 13 fracasos (2,7%) y 21 fallecidos durante el tratamiento (4,3%). Conclusiones: En este estudio se demuestra la caída sostenida de los casos informados de tuberculosis en una zona marginal de Lima. Aunque los recursos son escasos, estos deben ser aprovechados al máximo para controlar la tuberculosis con los nuevos problemas que acarrea, como la asociación con la infección por VIH, las formas multi-resistentes y la mayor diseminación por el hacinamiento secundario a la pobreza existente en el lugar.
Dengue clásico y hemorrágico: Una enfermedad reemergente y emergente en el Perú.
Authors: MAGUIÑA VARGAS Ciro , OSORES PLENGE Fernando , SUÁREZ OGNIO Luis , SOTO ARQUIÑIGO Leslie , PARDO RUIZ Karim
Published: March 2016

El dengue, también conocido popularmente como “Fiebre quebrantahuesos” es la más importante enfermedad viral humana transmitida por vectores artrópodos del genero Aedes, principalmente A. aegypti (1,2). Esta se ha ido extendiendo a varios países alrededor del mundo, en especial a los de las regiones tropicales y subtropicales en donde es una amenaza para más de 2 500 millones de personas (2), por lo que en la actualidad se le considera como una de las principales enfermedades virales reemergentes y emergentes a escala mundial. La diseminación del dengue obedece a muchas causas: guerras, viajes, calentamiento global, migraciones, hacinamiento, crecimiento demográfico, urbanización descontrolada, deterioro de los sistemas de servicios de agua y su almacenaje inadecuado, así como, a la falta de políticas preventivas de salud pública en los últimos 30 años en la mayoría de los países afectados (3).
Hiperoxaluria primaria con pancitopenia: a propósito de un caso.
Authors: BRAVO ZUÑIGA Jessica , CIEZA TERRONES Michael , LOZA MUNÁRRIZ Reyner , FERRUFINO LLACH Juan Carlos , MAYO SIMON Nancy
Published: March 2016

Se presenta el caso de un varón, de 15 años de edad, con diagnóstico de litiasis renal desde la infancia que evolucionó a Insuficiencia Renal Crónica, requiriendo hemodiálisis. Seis meses antes del reporte se agregan dolores articulares, con signos flogósicos en rodilla derecha, compromiso progresivo del estado general, pérdida de peso y anemia. Al examen físico se encuentra a un paciente emaciado, pálido, con múltiples adenopatías cervicales, y presencia de hepato-esplenomegalia. Se realizan exámenes evidenciándose: pancitopenia, con mayor compromiso de la serie roja (hemoglobina 7,3mg/dL, leucocitos 2 600/μL, y plaquetas 123 000/μL.). Los valores de transaminasas y bilirrubinas fueron normales así como los dosajes de Fierro, Transferrina, Ácido Fólico y Vitamina B12. La ecografía abdominal revela riñones calcificados y atróficos y los Rx de abdómen demuestran nefrocalcinosis y litiasis renal. La biopsia de medula ósea evidenció un extenso depósito de cristales de oxalato de calcio, dispuestos en forma radiada, con casi completa obliteración de la medula ósea con un número variable de células multinucleadas y fibrosis moderada. El aspirado de medula ósea no mostró cristales de oxalato de calcio. Este reporte hace una  revisión sobre hiperoxaluria primaria, y resalta la importancia de reconocer la enfermedad como causa de falla renal en un paciente con historia clínica de litiasis renal y nefrocalcinosis.