bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of the FIB4 index in a Japanese nonalcoholic fatty liver disease population
Authors: Sumida Yoshio , Yoneda Masato , Hyogo Hideyuki , Itoh Yoshito , Ono Masafumi , Fujii Hideki , Eguchi Yuichiro , Suzuki Yasuaki , Aoki Noriaki , Kanemasa Kazuyuki , Fujita Koji , Chayama Kazuaki , Saibara Toshiji , Kawada Norifumi , Fujimoto Kazuma , Kohgo Yutaka , Yoshikawa Toshikazu , Okanoue Takeshi ,   Japan Study Group of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (JSG-NAFLD)
Published: January 2012

Background

A reliable and inexpensive noninvasive marker of hepatic fibrosis is required in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). FIB4 index (based on age, aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT] levels, and platelet counts) is expected to be useful for evaluating hepatic fibrosis. We validated the performance of FIB4 index in a Japanese cohort with NAFLD.

Methods

The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) for FIB4 and six other markers were compared, based on data from 576 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. Advanced fibrosis was defined as stage 3-4 fibrosis. FIB4 index was assessed as: age (yr) × AST (IU/L)/(platelet count (109/L) × √ALT (IU/L))

Results

Advanced fibrosis was found in 64 (11%) patients. The AUROC for FIB4 index was superior to those for the other scoring systems for differentiating between advanced and mild fibrosis. Only 6 of 308 patients with a FIB4 index below the proposed low cut-off point (< 1.45) were under-staged, giving a high negative predictive value of 98%. Twenty-eight of 59 patients with a FIB4 index above the high cut-off point (> 3.25) were over-staged, giving a low positive predictive value of 53%. Using these cutoffs, 91% of the 395 patients with FIB-4 values outside 1.45-3.25 would be correctly classified. Implementation of the FIB4 index in the Japanese population would avoid 58% of liver biopsies.

Conclusion

The FIB4 index was superior to other tested noninvasive markers of fibrosis in Japanese patients with NAFLD, with a high negative predictive value for excluding advanced fibrosis. The small number of cases of advanced fibrosis in this cohort meant that this study had limited power for validating the high cut-off point.
The Chinese version of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale (MIDAS): Mokken scaling
Authors: Watson Roger , Wang Wenru , Ski Chantal F , Thompson David R
Published: January 2012

Background

Hierarchical scales are very useful in clinical practice due to their ability to discriminate precisely between individuals, and the original English version of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale has been shown to contain a hierarchy of items. The purpose of this study was to analyse a Mandarin Chinese translation of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale for a hierarchy of items according to the criteria of Mokken scaling. Data from 180 Chinese participants who completed the Chinese translation of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale were analysed using the Mokken Scaling Procedure and the 'R' statistical programme using the diagnostics available in these programmes. Correlation between Mandarin Chinese items and a Chinese translation of the Short Form (36) Health Survey was also analysed.

Findings

Fifteen items from the Mandarin Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale were retained in a strong and reliable Mokken scale; invariant item ordering was not evident and the Mokken scaled items of the Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale correlated with the Short Form (36) Health Survey.

Conclusions

Items from the Mandarin Chinese Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale form a Mokken scale and this offers further insight into how the items of the Myocardial Infarction Dimensional Assessment Scale relate to the measurement of health-related quality of life people with a myocardial infarction.
Identification and proteomic profiling of exosomes in human cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Street Jonathan M , Barran Perdita E , Mackay C Logan , Weidt Stefan , Balmforth Craig , Walsh Tim S , Chalmers Rod TA , Webb David J , Dear James W
Published: January 2012

Background

Exosomes are released from multiple cell types, contain protein and RNA species, and have been exploited as a novel reservoir for disease biomarker discovery. They can transfer information between cells and may cause pathology, for example, a role for exosomes has been proposed in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Although studied in several biofluids, exosomes have not been extensively studied in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from humans. The objective of this study was to determine: 1) whether human CSF contains exosomes and 2) the variability in exosomal protein content across individuals.

Methods

CSF was collected from 5 study participants undergoing thoraco-abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (around 200 - 500 ml per participant) and low-density membrane vesicles were concentrated by ultracentrifugation. The presence of exosomes was determined by western blot for marker proteins, isopycnic centrifugation on a sucrose step gradient and transmission electron microscopy with immuno-labelling. Whole protein profiling was performed using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR).

Results

Flotillin 1 and tumor susceptibility gene 101 (TSG101), two exosomal marker proteins, were identified in the ultracentrifugation pellet using western blot. These markers localized to a density consistent with exosomes following isopycnic centrifugation. Transmission electron microscopy visualized structures consistent with exosomes in size and appearance that labelled positive for flotillin 1. Therefore, the pellet that resulted from ultracentrifugation of human CSF contained exosomes. FT-ICR profiling of this pellet was performed and 84-161 ions were detected per study participant. Around one third of these ions were only present in a single study participant and one third were detected in all five. With regard to ion quantity, the median coefficient of variation was 81% for ions detected in two or more samples.

Conclusions

Exosomes were identified in human CSF and their proteome is a potential new reservoir for biomarker discovery in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. However, techniques used to concentrate exosomes from CSF need refinement to reduce variability. In this study we used relatively large starting volumes of human CSF, future studies will focus on exosome isolation from smaller 'real life' clinical samples; a key challenge in the development of exosomes as translational tools.
Structure and electrical properties of sputtered TiO2/ZrO2 bilayer composite dielectrics upon annealing in nitrogen
Authors: Dong Ming , Wang Hao , Ye Cong , Shen Liangping , Wang Yi , Zhang Jieqiong , Ye Yun
Published: January 2012

The high-k dielectric TiO2/ZrO2 bilayer composite film was prepared on a Si substrate by radio frequency magnetron sputtering and post annealing in N2 at various temperatures in the range of 573 K to 973 K. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed that the bilayer film fully mixed together and had good interfacial property at 773 K. Metal-oxide-semiconductor capacitors with high-k gate dielectric TiO2/ZrO2/p-Si were fabricated using Pt as the top gate electrode and as the bottom side electrode. The largest property permittivity of 46.1 and a very low leakage current density of 3.35 × 10-5 A/cm2 were achieved for the sample of TiO2/ZrO2/Si after annealing at 773 K.
Microstructure and adhesion characteristics of a silver nanopaste screen-printed on Si substrate
Authors: Kim Kwang-Seok , Kim Yongil , Jung Seung-Boo
Published: January 2012

The microstructural evolution and the adhesion of an Ag nanopaste screen-printed on a silicon substrate were investigated as a function of sintering temperature. Through the two thermal analysis methods, such as differential scanning calorimeter and thermo-gravimetric analysis, the sintering conditions were defined where the temperature was raised from 150°C to 300°C, all with a fixed sintering time of 30 min. The microstructure and the volume of the printed Ag nanopaste were observed using a field emission scanning electron microscope and a 3-D surface profiler, respectively. The apparent density of the printed Ag nanopaste was calculated depending on the sintering conditions, and the adhesion was evaluated by a scratch test. As the sintering temperature increased from 150°C to 300°C, the apparent density and the adhesion increased by 22.7% and 43%, respectively. It is confirmed that the printed Ag nanopaste sintered at higher temperatures showed higher apparent density in the microstructural evolution and void aggregation, resulting in the lower electrical resistivity and various scratched fractures.
Structural and optical properties of a radio frequency magnetron-sputtered ZnO thin film with different growth angles
Authors: Ko Ki-Han , Joung Yeun-Ho , Choi Won Seok , Park Mungi , Lee Jaehyung , Hwang Hyun-Suk
Published: January 2012

This study introduces optical properties of a columnar structured zinc oxide [ZnO] antireflection coating for solar cells. We obtained ZnO films of columnar structure on glass substrates using a specially designed radio frequency magnetron sputtering system with different growth angles. Field-emission scanning electron microscopy was utilized to check the growth angles of the ZnO films which were controlled at 0°, 15°, and 30°. The film thickness was fixed at 100 nm to get a constant experiment condition. Grain sizes of the ZnO films were measured by X-ray diffraction. A UV-visible spectrometer was used to measure the transmittance and reflectance of the ZnO film columnar structures as a function of the growth angles.
Fabrication of core/shell ZnWO4/carbon nanorods and their Li electroactivity
Authors: Shim Hyun-Woo , Lim Ah-Hyeon , Lee Gwang-Hee , Jung Hang-Chul , Kim Dong-Wan
Published: January 2012

Carbon-coated ZnWO4 [C-ZW] nanorods with a one-dimensional core/shell structure were synthesised using hydrothermally prepared ZnWO4 and malic acid as precursors. The effects of the carbon coating on the ZnWO4 nanorods are investigated by thermogravimetry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The coating layer was found to be in uniform thickness of approximately 3 nm. Moreover, the D and G bands of carbon were clearly observed at around 1,350 and 1,600 cm-1, respectively, in the Raman spectra of the C-ZW nanorods. Furthermore, lithium electroactivities of the C-ZW nanorods were evaluated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. In particular, the formed C-ZW nanorods exhibited excellent electrochemical performances, with rate capabilities better than those of bare ZnWO4 nanorods at different current rates, as well as a coulombic efficiency exceeding 98%. The specific capacity of the C-ZW nanorods maintained itself at approximately 170 mAh g-1, even at a high current rate of 3 C, which is much higher than pure ZnWO4 nanorods.
Positive charges on the translocating polypeptide chain arrest movement through the translocon
Authors: Fujita Hidenobu , Yamagishi Marifu , Kida Yuichiro , Sakaguchi Masao
Published: January 2012

Polypeptide chains synthesized by membrane-bound ribosomes are translocated through, and integrated into, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane by means of the protein translocation channel, the translocon. Positive charges on the nascent chain determine the orientation of the hydrophobic segment as it is inserted into the translocon and enhance the stop-translocation of translocating hydrophobic segments. Here we show that positive charges temporarily arrested ongoing polypeptide chain movement through the ER translocon by electrostatic interaction, even in the absence of a hydrophobic segment. The C-terminus of the polypeptide chain was elongated during the arrest, and then the full-length polypeptide chain moved through the translocon. The translocation-arrested polypeptide was not anchored to the membrane and the charges were on the cytoplasmic side of the membrane. The arrest effect was prevented by negatively charged residues inserted into the positive-charge cluster, and it was also suppressed by high salt conditions. We propose that positive charges are independent translocation regulators that are more active than previously believed.
Regulation of an RNA granule during spermatogenesis: acetylation of MVH in the chromatoid body of germ cells
Authors: Nagamori Ippei , Cruickshank V. Adam , Sassone-Corsi Paolo
Published: January 2012

During mammalian spermatogenesis, the mouse VASA homolog (MVH; also known as DDX4), a germ-cell-specific DEAD-box type RNA-binding protein, localizes in a germline-specific RNA granule termed the chromatoid body (CB). Genetic analyses have revealed that MVH is essential for progression through spermatogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms of its function remain elusive. We found that the acetyltransferase Hat1, and its cofactor, p46, are specifically colocalized with MVH in the CB and acetylate MVH at Lys405, leading to inactivation of its RNA-binding activity. Notably, the acetylation is developmentally regulated, paralleling the temporally regulated colocalization of Hat1 and p46 in the CB. We have identified 858 mRNAs as MVH targets, a large proportion of which correspond to previously known translationally arrested genes. Importantly, eIF4B mRNA, a target of MVH, is selectively released from the MVH–ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex when MVH is acetylated, paralleling an increase in eIF4B protein. These findings reveal a previously unknown signaling pathway that links acetylation to RNA processing in the control of spermatogenesis.
Sorting in Experiments with Application to Social Preferences
Authors: Lazear Edward P , Malmendier Ulrike , Weber Roberto A
Published: January 2012

Individuals sort into and out of economic environments based on their preferences and in response to relative prices. We demonstrate the importance of such sorting for the measurement of social preferences, using two laboratory experiments. First, allowing subjects to avoid environments in which sharing is possible significantly reduces sharing. This reveals the existence of a type of individual who shares reluctantly, preferring to avoid the opportunity to share. Second, after subsidizing the sharing environment, the aggregate amount shared increases, but less is shared, on average, by those who enter. Thus, subsidies intended to induce more sharing have weak effects since they attract those who share the least. (JEL C91, D12, D64)
Are Female Leaders Good for Education? Evidence from India
Authors: Clots-Figueras Irma
Published: January 2012

This paper shows that the gender of politicians affects the educational levels of individuals who grow up in the districts where these politicians are elected. A unique dataset collected on politicians in India is matched with individual data by cohort and district of residence. The political data allow the identification of close elections between women and men, which yield quasi-experimental election outcomes used to estimate the causal effect of the gender of politicians. Increasing female political representation increases the probability that an individual will attain primary education in urban areas, but not in rural areas, and not in the sample as a whole. (JEL D72, I20, J16, 015, 017)
Partisan Grading
Authors: Bar Talia , Zussman Asaf
Published: January 2012

We study grading outcomes associated with professors in an elite university in the United States who were identified—using voter registration records from the county where the university is located—as either Republicans or Democrats. The evidence suggests that student grades are linked to the political orientation of professors. Relative to their Democratic colleagues, Republican professors are associated with a less egalitarian distribution of grades and with lower grades awarded to black students relative to whites. (JEL D72, I23, J15)
School Desegregation and Urban Change: Evidence from City Boundaries
Authors: Platt Boustan Leah
Published: January 2012

I examine changes in the city-suburban housing price gap in metropolitan areas with and without court-ordered desegregation plans over the 1970s, narrowing my comparison to housing units on opposite sides of district boundaries. Desegregation of public schools in central cities reduced the demand for urban residence, leading urban housing prices and rents to decline by 6 percent relative to neighboring suburbs. Aversion to integration was due both to changes in peer composition and to student reassignment to nonneighborhood schools. The associated reduction in the urban tax base imposed a fiscal externality on remaining urban residents. (JEL H75, I21, I28, J15, R23, R31)
The impact of snake bite on household economy in Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan S M K , Basher A , Molla A A , Sultana N K , Faiz M A
Published: January 2012

The present study aims to assess the different types of costs for treatment of snake bite patients, to quantify household economic impact and to understand the coping mechanisms required to cover the costs for snake bite patients in Bangladesh. The patients admitted to four tertiary level hospitals in Bangladesh were interviewed using structured questionnaires including health-care-related expenditures and the way in which the expenditures were covered. Of the snakes which bit the patients, 54.2% were non-venomous, 45.8% were venomous and 42.2% of the patients were given polyvalent antivenom. The total expenditure related to snake bite varies from US$4 (US$1 = Taka 72) to US$2294 with a mean of US$124 and the mean income loss was US$93. Expenditure for venomous snake bite was US$231, which is about seven times higher than non-venomous snake bite (US$34). The treatment imposes a major economic burden on affected families, especially in venomous snake bite cases.
Medical male circumcision for HIV/AIDS prevention in Uganda – the cost of disposable versus re-usable circumcision kits
Authors: Kuznik Andreas , Lamorde Mohammed , Sekavuga Denis Bbaale , Picho Brenda , Coutinho Alex
Published: January 2012

We evaluated the cost implications of medical male circumcisions for HIV prevention when performed using re-usable equipment that is sterilized after each use versus using single-use disposal kits. In Uganda, a re-usable circumcision kit results in a net saving of US$7.14–US$12.34 or 46–59%. In resource-limited settings seeking to expand access to medical male circumcision for HIV prevention, substantial cost reductions may be achieved by adopting re-usable circumcision kits.
Studies on variation in fecal reactive oxidative species generation in free-living populations in Guatemala
Authors: Orozco Mónica N. , Solomons Noel W. , Arriaga Claudia , Hernández Liza , Campos Raquel , Soto María José , Schümann Klaus
Published: January 2012

Among the factors associated with the risk of colorectal cancer and other large bowel diseases are gender, with women having lower incidence than men, and free-radical mediated oxidation. Dietary fiber has been attributed a protective role in human gastro-intestinal health. The main aim of this study was to determine the degree of association between dietary fiber consumption and fecal free-radical production in healthy rural and urban Guatemalan women, moreover, to look for associations between gender and fecal reactive oxidative species (ROS) basal production, a marker of in situ colonic free-radical-based oxidation. For this purpose, we assessed the dietary fiber consumption, using two 24-h recalls, in urban and rural females, and compared the baseline data, i.e., of iron-supplement-free periods, in three previous studies. Two of these trials quantified the fecal ROS generation as total hydroxylated products resulting from free-radical attack on salicylic acid along with residual non-heme iron content in stool samples from 27 Fe-replete men. The third study assessed the same variables in 20 rural and 20 urban women, all consuming their respective habitual diets. The average fiber consumption for females was more than double in the rural group than in the urban population. As for the average ROS responses, a 2.5-fold difference was observed between men and women, with men having the higher concentrations of total hydroxylated products. This difference was sex-linked, unaffected by statistically significant differences in dietary fiber intake, nor by different concentrations of residual fecal non-heme iron between rural and urban women. The difference in background ROS production between men and women suggests a gender-related influence on intraintestinal oxidation that may protect women from harmful effects of dietary oxidants, such as iron.
In vitro digestion of selenium from selenium-enriched chicken
Authors: Brandt-Kjelsen Anicke , Govasmark Espen , Vegarud Gerd , Haug Anna , Szpunar Joanna , Salbu Brit
Published: January 2012

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element important for several biological functions, such as thyroid hormone metabolism, anti-aging, and antioxidant protection. Even though reports on Se species in different food products are increasing, the scientific knowledge on the bioaccessible amount of Se species from these products is not as well known. In this work, Se-enriched chicken meat was digested by an in vitro model using human gastro-intestinal (GI) juices and different commercial enzymes. The aim of the study was to gain information on the bioaccessible amount of Se from meat after digestion by different relevant enzymes with the approach of replacing human liquids with commercial enzymes that could mimic the digestion in the human GI tract. The digestion with commercial enzymes such as pepsin, protease, and lipase resulted in highly variable extraction yield of Se in isotonic salt water (50–90 %). Se proteins were degraded into SeMet, while Se species with higher molecular mass were present in the extracts from human juices. The extraction yield using human juices was only about 70 % of Se from the meat, but Se in the extracts was normally distributed with a low standard deviation (4 %), indicating stability of the results from digested extract.
Making an essay: Inclusive learning, a new assessment for visual learners
Authors: DAVIES MARY , RILEY HOWARD
Published: January 2012

This article reassesses the traditional requirement of a written dissertation for the awarding of an Honours degree classification within UK art schools, in the light of the academic principle of student inclusivity. It proposes an alternative, what is here termed a visual dissertation,
equally rigorous as the written form, but structured as a visually driven argument, in which images take the lead, supported by text, an arrangement more suited to dyslexic students and students with a predominantly visual/wholist cognitive style. This article reviews several strategies for
structuring such a presentation, and is illustrated with case studies of students from the Faculty of Art and Design at Swansea Metropolitan University. It is followed by a review of the case studies and re-evaluation of the hypothesis that underpins this research.
Manifesto
Authors: GLYNN CHRIS , McCANNON DESDEMONA , EDWARDS HARRIET
Published: January 2012

This short manifesto was written with input from Chris Glynn (UWIC), Desdemona McCannon (MMU) and Harriet Edwards (RCA) in response to a collaborative writing workshop facilitated by Julia Lockheart (Goldsmiths, University of London) at Swansea Metropolitan University in 2011. During
the workshop we became very animated with the idea of images being downtrodden and being seen as lacking in 'rigour' as a contribution towards critical discourse. The large sheet of paper we were using to develop ideas was covered in Chris's comic drawings of generals marching, people with
loudspeakers and the like (see Visual Essay, P**). The manifesto, although two of it authors are illustrators, does not use images to proclaim it's message, as images are largely mute, but it is full of visual language. We tried to condense ideas into metaphors as much as possible, and kept
the statements pared back and minimal. The tone of the manifesto was generated by the spirit of the collaborative discussion we had had. As I wrote the first draft later the same day, it was infused with Chris's wit and humour and Harriet's insistence on the importance of visual thinking.
Later Chris and I refined it to its present form.
Symposium on Static and Dynamic Spinal Implants: Are We Evaluating Them Appropriately? Effect of Tightening Torque on ASTM F1798 Axial Gripping Capacity
Authors: Vadapalli Sasidhar , Woods Daniel L.
Published: January 2012

The objective of this study was to investigate how the axial gripping capacity can be affected by varying the tightening torques applied to the set screws in a pedicle screw ASTM F1798 subassembly. Although the current ASTM F1798 standard indicates that all tightening loads to the locking mechanism be applied as specified by the manufacturer, the torque limiting instruments used in the field can have nominal upper and lower torque limits. The interconnection assemblies were assembled using a multi-axial screw, spinal rod, and set screw. Six groups were assembled using different types of spinal rods. Each group was sub-divided into three groups each containing five interconnection assemblies. The three sub-groups of interconnection assemblies were locked to the nominal torque value as indicated by the manufacturer technique, lower limit, and higher limit respectively. Static axial grip testing was performed according to ASTM F1798 guidelines. Axial gripping capacity was influenced by the nominal tightening torque and lower tightening torque and holds true regardless of rod diameter and rod material. There is no significant difference in the axial gripping capacity between the nominal tightening torque and higher tightening torque. These results indicate that the set screw tightening torque has an effect on the gripping capacity and could potentially affect yield load, ultimate load, and failure modes when performing ASTM F1717 compression bending testing. With the wide range of materials used to manufacture pedicle screw systems and the processing techniques that are currently available, e.g., anodization and shot peening, critical thinking should be put into determining if the torque applied to the system represents a worst-case scenario.
Effects of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 deficiency on mouse ova
Authors: Koyanagi Sayaka , Hamasaki Hiroko , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Hara Kenshiro , Ishii Yoshiyuki , Kyuwa Shigeru , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro
Published: January 2012

Maternal proteins are rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin–proteasome system during oocyte maturation in mice. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is highly and specifically expressed in mouse ova and is involved in the polyspermy block. However, the role of UCHL1 in the underlying mechanism of polyspermy block is poorly understood. To address this issue, we performed a comprehensive proteomic analysis to identify maternal proteins that were relevant to the role of UCHL1 in mouse ova using UCHL1-deficientgad. Furthermore, we assessed morphological features ingadmouse ova using transmission electron microscopy. NACHT, LRR, and PYD domain-containing (NALP) family proteins and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones were identified by proteomic analysis. We also found that the ‘maternal antigen that embryos require’ (NLRP5 (MATER)) protein level increased significantly ingadmouse ova compared with that in wild-type mice. In an ultrastructural study,gadmouse ova contained less ER in the cortex than in wild-type mice. These results provide new insights into the role of UCHL1 in the mechanism of polyspermy block in mouse ova.
Educação em saúde na estratégia saúde da família: o significado e a práxis dos enfermeiros
Authors: Roecker Simone , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: January 2012

O estudo objetivou identificar o significado da educação em saúde para os enfermeiros da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e as ações educativas individuais e coletivas desenvolvidas por eles. Participaram da pesquisa 20 enfermeiros que atuam na ESF no âmbito da 10ª Regional de Saúde do Estado do Paraná. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo-exploratório com abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados em abril de 2010, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas gravadas, e submetidos à análise de conteúdo categorial. Os resultados apontam para duas categorias: desvelamento do significado da educação em saúde sob a ótica dos enfermeiros; e a práxis educativa no cotidiano dos enfermeiros. Conclui-se que há necessidade de se esclarecer os objetivos da ESF relacionados à educação em saúde aos profissionais, e estabelecer um processo de capacitação e educação permanente para que ela seja eficaz e propicie a prevenção de doenças e a promoção da saúde da população.
Quality of Reporting in Abstracts of Randomized Controlled Trials Published in Leading Journals of Periodontology and Implant Dentistry: A Survey
Authors: Faggion Clovis Mariano , Giannakopoulos Nikolaos Nikitas
Published: January 2012

Background: Most readers, reviewers, and editors rely on abstracts to decide whether to assess the full text of an article. A research abstract should, therefore, be as informative as possible. The standard of reporting in abstracts of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in periodontology and implant dentistry has not yet been assessed. The objectives of this review are: 1) to assess the quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs in periodontology and implant dentistry, and 2) to investigate changes in the quality of reporting by comparing samples from different periods.

Methods: The authors searched the PubMed electronic database, independently and in duplicate, for abstracts of RCTs published in seven leading journals of periodontology and implant dentistry from 2005 to 2007 and from 2009 to 2011. The quality of reporting in selected abstracts with reference to the CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) for Abstracts checklist published in January 2008 was assessed independently and in duplicate. Cohen κ statistic was used to determine the extent of agreement of the reviewers. Pearson χ2 test and/or Fisher exact test were used to assess differences in reporting in the two samples. Level of significance was set at P <0.05.

Results: Three hundred ninety‐two abstracts are included in this review. Three items (intervention, objective, and conclusions) were almost fully reported in both samples. In contrast, other items (randomization, trial registration, and funding) were never reported. There were significant changes in reporting for only two items, trial design and title (items better reported in the pre‐ and post‐CONSORT samples, respectively). Most topics, however, were similarly poorly reported in both samples of abstracts.

Conclusions: The quality of reporting in abstracts of RCTs in periodontology and implant dentistry can be improved. Authors should follow the CONSORT for Abstracts guidelines, and journal editors should promote clear rules to improve authors’ adherence to these guidelines.
Clinical Features and Outcomes of IgA Nephropathy with Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Kim Jwa-Kyung , Kim Jeong Ho , Lee Sang Choel , Kang Ea Wha , Chang Tae Ik , Moon Sung Jin , Yoon Soo Young , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Kang Shin-Wook , Choi Kyu Hun , Han Dae Suk , Kie Jeong Hae , Lim Beom Jin , Jeong Hyeon Joo , Han Seung Hyeok
Published: January 2012

Background and objectives

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a rare manifestation of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of this condition have not yet been explored.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

A multicenter observational study was conducted between January 2000 and September 2010 in 1076 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from four medical centers in Korea. The primary outcome was a doubling of the baseline serum creatinine concentration.

Results

Of the 1076 patients, 100 (10.2%) presented with NS; complete remission (CR), partial remission (PR), and no response (NR) occurred in 48 (48%), 32 (32%), and 20 (20%) patients, respectively. During the median follow-up of 45.2 months, 24 patients (24%) in the NS group reached the primary endpoint compared with 63 (7.1%) in the non-NS group (P<0.001). The risk of reaching the primary endpoint was significantly higher in the PR (P=0.04) and NR groups (P<0.001) than in the CR group. Among patients with NS, 24 (24%) underwent spontaneous remission (SR). SR occurred more frequently in female patients and in patients with serum creatinine levels ≤1.2 mg/dl and a >50% decrease in proteinuria within 3 months after NS onset. None of the patients with SR reached the primary endpoint and they had fewer relapses during follow-up.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that the prognosis of NS in IgAN was not favorable unless PR or CR was achieved. In addition, SR was more common than expected, particularly in patients with preserved kidney function and spontaneous decrease in proteinuria shortly after NS onset.
Analysis of accuracy of digital elevation models created from captured data by digital photogrammetry method
Authors: Hudec P.
Published: January 2012

Analysis of accuracy of digital elevation models created from captured data by digital photogrammetry method

A digital elevation model (DEM) is an important part of many geoinformatic applications. For the creation of DEM, spatial data collected by geodetic measurements in the field, photogrammetric processing of aerial survey photographs, laser scanning and secondary sources (analogue maps) are used. It is very important from a user's point of view to know the vertical accuracy of a DEM. The article describes the verification of the vertical accuracy of a DEM for the region of Medzibodrožie, which was created using digital photogrammetry for the purposes of water resources management and modeling and resolving flood cases based on geodetic measurements in the field.
Managing for resilience
Authors: Allen Craig R. , Cumming Graeme S. , Garmestani Ahjond S. , Taylor Phillip D. , Walker Brian H.
Published: January 2012

Early efforts in wildlife management focused on reducing population variability and maximizing yields of selected species. Later, Aldo Leopold proposed the concept of habitat management as superior to population management, and more recently, ecosystem management, whereby ecological processes are conserved or mimicked, has come into favour. Managing for resilience builds upon these roots, and focuses on maintaining key processes and relationships in social‐ecological systems so that they are robust to a great variety of external or internal perturbations at a range of ecological and social scales. Managing for resilience focuses on system‐level characteristics and processes, and the endurance of system properties in the face of social or ecological surprise. Managing for resilience consists of actively maintaining a diversity of functions and homeostatic feedbacks, steering systems away from thresholds of potential concern, increasing the ability of the system to maintain structuring processes and feedbacks under a wide range of conditions, and increasing the capacity of a system to cope with change through learning and adaptation. The critical aspect of managing for resilience, and therefore ecosystem management, is undertaking adaptive management to reduce uncertainty and actively managing to avoid thresholds in situations where maintaining resilience is desired. Managing adaptively for resilience is the approach best suited for coping with external shocks and surprises given the non‐linear complex dynamics arising from linked social‐ecological systems.
Race for Excellence
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh
Published: January 2012

Nepal Journal of Biotechnology. Jan. 2011, Vol. 1, No. 1
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Nahar S , Rahman MZ , Ullah M , Debnath BC , Sultana N , Farhad CMRQ
Published: January 2012

Background: People with metabolic syndrome are twice as likely to die from, and three times as likely to have a heart attack or stroke compared with people without the syndrome. People with metabolic syndrome have a five-fold greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. We investigated the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Methods: It was a cross sectional study. The study was conducted in Department of Biochemistry, Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College, Sylhet & Diabetic Hospital, Sylhet. The study was conducted From July 2008 to June 2009 among 200 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients with age >20 years. Along with blood glucose, different components of metabolic syndrome was assessed, i.e. serum triglyceride level, serum HDL level, blood pressure and waist circumference. Results- Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 73.5% according to NCEP-ATP III criteria, 81.0% according to modified NCEP-ATP III criteria, 82.5% according to modified WHO criteria and 61.0% according to IDF criteria. All variables other than waist hip ratio and fasting blood sugar had statistically significant higher mean values among patients with metabolic syndrome than patients without metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: It may be concluded that prevalence of metabolic syndrome is considerable in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients in our population. The considerable prevalence of metabolic syndrome in our population is implicative of an alarming risk of cardiovascular disease in future. Keywords: Metabolic syndrome; Type II diabetes mellitus. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9385 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 17-25
Aorto-bi-Femoral Bypass for Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease: Recent Experience at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD)
Authors: Bashar AHM , Hossain GMM , Hakim E , Mondol NC , Sabah MN , Hossain MF , Dey NK , Samad S , Mamun AA , Haroon K , Islam MF , Khan AK , Ferdous S , Rahman M , Beg AK , Alam SAN
Published: January 2012

Background & Objectives: Aorto-bi-femoral bypass is one of the most important surgical strategies in vascular surgical practice. The procedure is employed in surgical revascularization for both stenotic and aneurysmal diseases involving the aorto-iliac segment. The present study was carried out to analyze our recent experiences with this procedure for aorto-iliac occlusive diseases (AIOD) at the National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases (NICVD). Materials and Methods: Over a period of 3 years (April 2008 to March 2011), a total of 47 patients underwent aorto-bi-femoral or aorto-bisiliac bypass grafting for AIOD using a Y-graft prosthesis. The mean age of the patients was 46.4 years (range 25-75 years). Thirty eight of the patients were male and the remaining 9 were female. A retroperitoneal approach was used in 27 patients. In the remaining 20 patients, the operation was done using a transperitoneal approach. A Gelatin-coated Dacron Y-graft prosthesis was used in 43 (5 of which were silver-coated prosthesis) patients while PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) prosthesis was used in the remaining 4 patients. The operation was carried out under epidural anesthesia with sedation in most cases. Results: The operation was well-tolerated in all patients. There was no intraoperative mortality in this series. Two patients died in the immediate post-operative period- one due to myocardial infarction and the other due to acute renal shut-down leading to renal failure accounting for a mortality rate of 4.3%. Wound infection and lymphorrhoea at the groin incision site were the two main immediate post-operative complications. There was no incidence of graft infection in this series. Twelve patients were available for post-operative follow-up up to 2 years. Out of them, 5 patients returned with occluded grafts 8-23 months after the operation. Three of these patients underwent graft excision with re-do Y-graft bypass. The remaining two were treated with extra-anatomic bypass (Axillobifemoral). Conclusions: Aorto-bi-femoral bypass is an effective surgical strategy for occlusive diseases involving the abdominal aorta and the iliac arteries. The procedure is well-tolerated with a low incidence of early post-procedural complications and graft failure. However, poor adherence of the patients to follow-up remains a significant obstacle for evaluating the long-term outcome of this procedure. Keywords: Aorto-Iliac Occlusive Disease; Aorto-bi-Femoral Bypass. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9386 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 26-31
Our Experience of Conscious Sedation as an Anaesthetic Technique in patients undergoing Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator
Authors: Choudhury BMM , Rahman M , Sultana R , Beg AK
Published: January 2012

Ten patients with life threatening ventricular arrhythmias who underwent placement of automatic cardioverter defibrillator ( AICD) under conscious sedation are reported. Our clinical experience, patient,s satisfaction, recovery profile and complications of the technique of conscious sedation is presented and discussed. Key words: Ventricular dysrhythmias; Autamatic implantable cardioverter defibrillator; Conscious sedation DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9388 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 42-45
A Case Report of Tetralogy of Fallot Associated with Tight Lesion of the Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery
Authors: Kabir J , Rima R , Hassan R , Badruddoza AMM , Khatoon S
Published: January 2012

A small subset of patients with TOF present later in life with unsuspected or untreated disease. Tetralogy of Fallot in adults represents a special group with peculiar problems related to the effects of prolonged cyanosis over the heart and other organs .Older age has been considered as incremented risk factor for surgical mortality and long-term survival in patients with TOF. Based on this assumption, indication for surgery after long-standing cyanosis has caused controversy. There are few reports that studied this issue have proved some benefit in repairing adults with TOF .The greatest benefit of complete repair at this age is the functional improvement. We report a male patient with TOF with tight lesion of the left anterior descending coronary artery diagnosed at age 40 years and successfully underwent total correction along with CABG. This patient was the oldest documented in Bangladesh undergoing successful corrective surgery for TOF with CABG. Keywords: Tetralogy of Fallot; Left anterior descending artery (LAD); CABG. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cardio.v4i1.9396 Cardiovasc. J. 2011; 4(1): 88-91
Potentials of Chitosan-Based Delivery Systems in Wound Therapy: Bioadhesion Study
Authors: Hurler Julia , Škalko-Basnet Nataša
Published: January 2012

Chitosan is currently proposed to be one of the most promising polymers in wound dressing development. Our research focuses on its potential as a vehicle for nano-delivery systems destined for burn therapy. One of the most important features of wound dressing is its bioadhesion to the wounded site. We compared the bioadhesive properties of chitosan with those of Carbopol, a synthetic origin polymer. Chitosan-based hydrogels of different molecular weights were first analyzed by texture analysis for gel cohesiveness, adhesiveness and hardness. In vitro release studies showed no difference in release of model antimicrobial drug from the different hydrogel formulations. Bioadhesion tests were performed on pig ear skin and the detachment force, necessary to remove the die from the skin, and the amount of remaining formulation on the skin were determined. Although no significant difference regarding detachment force could be seen between Carbopol-based and chitosan-based formulations, almost double the amount of chitosan formulation remained on the skin as compared to Carbopol formulations. The findings confirmed the great potential of chitosan-based delivery systems in advanced wound therapy. Moreover, results suggest that formulation retention on the ex vivo skin samples could provide deeper insight on formulation bioadhesiveness than the determination of detachment force.
Biophysical Properties of Lumbricus terrestris Erythrocruorin and Its Potential Use as a Red Blood Cell Substitute
Authors: Elmer Jacob , Palmer Andre F.
Published: January 2012

Previous generations of hemoglobin (Hb)-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) have been plagued by key biophysical limitations that result in severe side-effects once transfused in vivo, including protein instability, high heme oxidation rates, and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging. All of these problems emerge after mammalian Hbs are removed from red blood cells (RBCs) and used for HBOC synthesis/formulation. Therefore, extracellular Hbs (erythrocruorins) from organisms which lack RBCs might serve as better HBOCs. This review focuses on the erythrocruorin of Lumbricus terrestris (LtEc), which has been shown to be extremely stable, resistant to oxidation, and may interact with NO differently than mammalian Hbs. All of these beneficial properties show that LtEc is a promising new HBOC which warrants further investigation.
Comparative Chemistry of Aspergillus oryzae (RIB40) and A. flavus (NRRL 3357)
Authors: Rank Christian , Klejnstrup Marie Louise , Petersen Lene Maj , Kildgaard Sara , Frisvad Jens Christian , Held Gotfredsen Charlotte , Ostenfeld Larsen Thomas
Published: January 2012

Aspergillus oryzae and A. flavus are important species in industrial biotechnology and food safety and have been some of the first aspergilli to be fully genome sequenced. Bioinformatic analysis has revealed 99.5% gene homology between the two species pointing towards a large coherence in the secondary metabolite production. In this study we report on the first comparison of secondary metabolite production between the full genome sequenced strains of A. oryzae (RIB40) and A. flavus (NRRL 3357). Surprisingly, the overall chemical profiles of the two strains were mostly very different across 15 growth conditions. Contrary to previous studies we found the aflatrem precursor 13-desoxypaxilline to be a major metabolite from A. oryzae under certain growth conditions. For the first time, we additionally report A. oryzae to produce parasiticolide A and two new analogues hereof, along with four new alkaloids related to the A. flavus metabolites ditryptophenalines and miyakamides. Generally the secondary metabolite capability of A. oryzae presents several novel end products likely to result from the domestication process from A. flavus.
The Effect of Alkali and Ce(III) Ions on the Response Properties of Benzoxazine Supramolecules Prepared via Molecular Assembly
Authors: Kaewvilai Attaphon , Rujitanapanich Sawittree , Wattanathana Worawat , Veranitisagul Chatchai , Suramitr Songwut , Koonsaeng Nattamon , Laobuthee Apirat
Published: January 2012

A series of benzoxazine monomer supramolecules with different substituted groups on their benzene ring was prepared with a Mannich reaction and characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR and MS. The obtained products were 3,4-dihydro-3-(2’-hydroxyethylene)-6-methyl-2H-benzoxazine (BM1), 3,4-dihydro-3-(2’-hydroxyethylene)-6-ethyl-2H-benz-oxazine (BM2), and 3,4-dihydro-3-(2’-hydroxyethylene)-6-methoxy-2H-benzoxazine (BM3). The efficiency of alkali metal ion extraction from the products was determined with Pedersen’s technique, while the complexation of the Ce(III) ion was confirmed by the Job’s and the mole ratio methods. The evidence of complex formation between benzoxazine monomers and Ce(III) ions was obtained with FTIR and a computational simulation. Single phase ceria (CeO2) as observed with XRD was successfully prepared by calcinating the Ce(III)-benzoxazine monomer complexes at 600 °C for 2 h. In addition, the geometry of the ceria nanoparticles confirmed by TEM is spherical, with an average diameter of 10‑20 nm.