bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of steroidogenic enzymes during equine testicular development
Authors: Almeida J , Conley A J , Mathewson L , Ball B A
Published: February 2011

In the mammalian testis, Leydig cells are primarily responsible for steroidogenesis. In adult stallions, the major endocrine products of Leydig cells include testosterone and estrogens. 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4-isomerase (3βHSD) and 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (P450c17) are two key steroidogenic enzymes that regulate testosterone synthesis. Androgens produced by P450c17 serve as substrate for estrogen synthesis. The aim of this study was to investigate localization of the steroidogenic enzymes P450c17, 3βHSD, and P450arom and to determine changes in expression during development in the prepubertal, postpubertal, and adult equine testis based upon immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time quantitative PCR. Based on IHC, 3βHSD immunolabeling was observed within seminiferous tubules of prepubertal testes and decreased after puberty. On the other hand, immunolabeling of 3βHSD was very weak or absent in immature Leydig cells of prepubertal testes and increased after puberty.HSD3B1(3βHSDgene) mRNA expression was higher in adult testes compared with prepubertal (P=0.0001) and postpubertal testes (P=0.0041). P450c17 immunolabeling was observed in small clusters of immature Leydig cells in prepubertal testes and increased after puberty.CYP17(P450c17gene) mRNA expression was higher in adult testes compared with prepubertal (P=0.030) and postpubertal testes (P=0.0318). A weak P450arom immunolabel was observed in immature Leydig cells of prepubertal testes and increased after puberty. Similarly,CYP19(P450aromgene) mRNA expression was higher in adult testes compared with prepubertal (P=0.0001) and postpubertal (P=0.0001) testes. In conclusion, Leydig cells are the primary cell type responsible for androgen and estrogen production in the equine testis.
Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Piperonyl Butoxide and Permethrin on 36-Month Neurodevelopment
Authors: Horton Megan K. , Rundle Andrew , Camann David E. , Boyd Barr Dana , Rauh Virginia A. , Whyatt Robin M.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Recent pesticide-monitoring results suggest that a shift in residential pesticide exposure from organophosphorus insecticides to pyrethroid insecticides has occurred. Pyrethroid insecticides are potential neurodevelopmental toxicants and have not been evaluated for developmental toxicity. Our objective was to explore the association between prenatal exposure to permethrin (a common pyrethroid) and piperonyl butoxide (a pyrethroid synergist) and 36-month neurodevelopment.

METHODS:

Participants is this study were part of a prospective cohort of black and Dominican mothers and newborns living in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. We examined 36-month cognitive and motor development (using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition) as a function of permethrin levels measured in maternal and umbilical cord plasma collected on delivery and permethrin and piperonyl butoxide levels measured in personal air collected during pregnancy. All models were controlled for gender, gestational age, ethnicity, maternal education, maternal intelligence, quality of the home environment, and prenatal exposure to environmental tobacco smoke and chlorpyrifos.

RESULTS:

Prenatal exposure to permethrin in personal air and/or plasma was not associated with performance scores for the Bayley Mental Developmental Index or the Psychomotor Developmental Index. After data adjustment, children more highly exposed to piperonyl butoxide in personal air samples (>4.34 ng/m3) scored 3.9 points lower on the Mental Developmental Index than those with lower exposures (95% confidence interval: −0.25 to −7.49).

CONCLUSIONS:

Prenatal exposure to piperonyl butoxide was negatively associated with 36-month neurodevelopment.
Timing of Solid Food Introduction and Risk of Obesity in Preschool-Aged Children
Authors: Huh Susanna Y. , Rifas-Shiman Sheryl L. , Taveras Elsie M. , Oken Emily , Gillman Matthew W.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To examine the association between timing of introduction of solid foods during infancy and obesity at 3 years of age.

METHODS:

We studied 847 children in Project Viva, a prospective pre-birth cohort study. The primary outcome was obesity at 3 years of age (BMI for age and gender ≥95th percentile). The primary exposure was the timing of introduction of solid foods, categorized as <4, 4 to 5, and ≥6 months. We ran separate logistic regression models for infants who were breastfed for at least 4 months (“breastfed”) and infants who were never breastfed or stopped breastfeeding before the age of four months (“formula-fed”), adjusting for child and maternal characteristics, which included change in weight-for-age z score from 0 to 4 months–a marker of early infant growth.

RESULTS:

In the first 4 months of life, 568 infants (67%) were breastfed and 279 (32%) were formula-fed. At age 3 years, 75 children (9%) were obese. Among breastfed infants, the timing of solid food introduction was not associated with odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.1 [95% confidence interval: 0.3–4.4]). Among formula-fed infants, introduction of solid foods before 4 months was associated with a sixfold increase in odds of obesity at age 3 years; the association was not explained by rapid early growth (odds ratio after adjustment: 6.3 [95% confidence interval: 2.3–6.9]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Among formula-fed infants or infants weaned before the age of 4 months, introduction of solid foods before the age of 4 months was associated with increased odds of obesity at age 3 years.
Executive and Memory Function in Adolescents Born Very Preterm
Authors: Luu Thuy Mai , Ment Laura , Allan Walter , Schneider Karen , Vohr Betty R.
Published: February 2011

BACKGROUND:

Many preterm children display school difficulties, which may be mediated by impairment in executive function and memory.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate executive and memory function among adolescents born preterm compared with term controls at 16 years.

METHODS:

A total of 337 of 437 (77%) adolescents born in 1989 to 1992 with a birth weight < 1250 g and 102 term controls were assessed with a battery of executive function and memory tasks. Multiple regression analyses were used to compare groups and to identify associations between selected factors and outcomes among preterm subjects.

RESULTS:

Adolescents born preterm, compared with term controls, showed deficits in executive function in the order of 0.4 to 0.6 SD on tasks of verbal fluency, inhibition, cognitive flexibility, planning/organization, and working memory as well as verbal and visuospatial memory. After exclusion of adolescents with neurosensory disabilities and full-scale IQ < 70, significant group differences persisted on most tests. Preterm subjects, compared with term controls, were at increased risk of exhibiting problems related to executive dysfunction, as measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, on the Metacognition Index (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.2–5.1]) and the Global Executive Composite (OR: 4.2 [95% CI: 1.6–10.9]), but not on the Behavioral Regulation index (OR: 1.5 [95% CI: 0.7–3.5]). Among adolescents born preterm, severe brain injury on neonatal ultrasound and lower maternal education were the most consistent factors associated with poor outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Even after exclusion of preterm subjects with significant disabilities, adolescents born preterm in the early 1990s were at increased risk of deficits in executive function and memory.
Racial Bias in Child Protection? A Comparison of Competing Explanations Using National Data
Authors: Drake Brett , Jolley Jennifer M. , Lanier Paul , Fluke John , Barth Richard P. , Jonson-Reid Melissa
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Cases of child abuse and neglect that involve black children are reported to and substantiated by public child welfare agencies at a rate approximately twice that of cases that involve white children. A range of studies have been performed to assess the degree to which this racial disproportionality is attributable to racial bias in physicians, nurses, and other professionals mandated to report suspected child victimization. The prevailing current explanation posits that the presence of bias among reporters and within the child welfare system has led to the current large overrepresentation of black children. A competing explanation is that overrepresentation of black children is mainly the consequence of increased exposure to risk factors such as poverty.

METHODS:

We tested the competing models by using data drawn from national child welfare and public health sources. We compared racial disproportionality ratios on rates of victimization from official child welfare organizations to rates of key public health outcomes not subject to the same potential biases (eg, general infant mortality).

RESULTS:

We found that racial differences in victimization rate data from the official child welfare system are consistent with known differences for other child outcomes. We also found evidence supporting the presence of cultural protective factors for Hispanic children, termed the “Hispanic paradox.”

CONCLUSIONS:

Although our findings do not preclude the possibility of racial bias, these findings suggest that racial bias in reporting and in the child welfare system are not large-scale drivers of racial disproportionality. Our data suggest that reduction of black/white racial disproportionality in the child welfare system can best be achieved by a public health approach to reducing underlying risk factors that affect black families.
Prenatal Factors for Childhood Blood Pressure Mediated by Intrauterine and/or Childhood Growth?
Authors: Wen Xiaozhong , Triche Elizabeth W. , Hogan Joseph W. , Shenassa Edmond D. , Buka Stephen L.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE:

Some prenatal factors may program an offspring's blood pressure, but existing evidence is inconclusive and mechanisms remain unclear. We examined the mediating roles of intrauterine and childhood growth in the associations between childhood systolic blood pressure (SBP) and 5 potentially modifiable prenatal factors: maternal smoking during pregnancy; prepregnancy BMI; pregnancy weight gain; chronic hypertension; and preeclampsia-eclampsia.

METHODS:

The sample contained 30 461 mother-child pairs in the Collaborative Perinatal Project. Prenatal data were extracted from obstetric forms, and children's SBP was measured at 7 years of age. Potential mediation by intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and childhood growth was examined by the causal step method.

RESULTS:

Heavy maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with higher offspring SBP (adjusted mean difference versus nonsmoking: 0.73 mm Hg [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.32–1.14]), which attenuated to null (0.13 [95% CI: −0.27–0.54]) after adjustment for changes in BMI from birth to 7 years of age. Prepregnancy overweight-obesity was significantly associated with higher offspring SBP (versus normal weight: 0.89 mm Hg [95% CI: 0.52–1.26]), which also attenuated to null (−0.04 mm Hg [95% CI: −0.40–0.31]) after adjustment for childhood BMI trajectory. Adjustment for BMI trajectory augmented the association between maternal pregnancy weight gain and offspring SBP. Adjustment for childhood weight trajectory similarly changed these associations. However, all these associations were independent of IUGR.

CONCLUSIONS:

Childhood BMI and weight trajectory, but not IUGR, may largely mediate the associations of maternal smoking during pregnancy and prepregnancy BMI with an offspring's SBP.
Salt-induced changes in antioxidative enzyme activities in root tissues do not account for the differential salt tolerance of two cowpea cultivars
Authors: Maia Josemir M , Voigt Eduardo L , Macêdo Cristiane E. C , Ferreira-Silva Sérgio L , Silveira Joaquim A. G
Published: February 2011

The salt stress effect in root growth and antioxidative response were investigated in two cowpea cultivars which differ in salt tolerance in terms of plant growth and leaf oxidative response. Four-day-old seedlings (establishment stage) were exposed to 100 mM NaCl for two days. The roots of the two cultivars presented distinct response in terms of salt-induced changes in elongation and dry weight. Root dry weight was only decreased in Pérola (sensitive) cultivar while root elongation was mainly hampered in Pitiúba (tolerant). Root relative water content remained unchanged under salinity, but root Na+ content achieved toxic levels as revealed by the K+/Na+ ratio in both cultivars. Then, root growth inhibition might be due to ionic toxicity rather than by salt-induced water deficit. Although electrolyte leakage markedly increased mainly in the Pérola genotype, lipid peroxidation decreased similarly in both salt-stressed cultivars. APX and SOD activities were reduced by salinity in both cultivars reaching similar values despite the decrease in Pitiúba had been higher compared to respective controls. CAT decreased significantly in Pitiúba but did not change in Pérola, while POX increased in both cultivars. The salt-induced decrease in the CAT activity of Pitiúba root is, at principle, incompatible to allow a more effective oxidative protection. Our results support the idea that the activities of SOD, APX, CAT and POX and lipid peroxidation in cowpea seedling roots were not associated with differential salt tolerance as previously characterized in terms of growth rate and oxidative response in plant leaves.
Incidence of Cleft Pathology in Greater New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Goenjian Haig A. , Chiu Ernest S. , Alexander Mary Ellen , Hilaire Hugo St. , Moses Michael
Published: February 2011

Background

Reports after the 2005 Hurricane Katrina have documented an increase in stress reactions and environmental teratogens (arsenic, mold, alcohol).

Objective

To assess the incidence of cleft pathology before and after the hurricane, and the distribution of cleft cases by gender and race.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of cleft lip with or without cleft palate (CUP) and cleft palate (CP) cases registered with the Cleft and Craniofacial Team at Children's Hospital of New Orleans, the surgical center that treated cleft cases in Greater New Orleans between 2004 and 2007. Live birth data were obtained from the Louisiana State Center for Health Statistics.

Results

The incidence of cleft cases, beginning 9 months after the hurricane (i.e., June 1, 2006) was significantly higher compared with the period before the hurricane (0.80 versus 1.42; p = .008). Within racial group comparisons showed a higher incidence among African Americans versus whites (0.42 versus 1.22; p = .01). The distribution of CUP and CP cases by gender was significant ( p = .05).

Conclusion

The increase in the incidence of cleft cases after the hurricane may be attributable to increased stress and teratogenic factors associated with the hurricane. The increase among African Americans may have been due to comparatively higher exposure to environmental risk factors. These findings warrant further investigation to replicate the results elsewhere in the Gulf to determine whether there is a causal relationship between environmental risk factors and increased cleft pathology.
New Gel Aggregates To Improve Sweep Efficiency During Waterflooding
Authors: Lei Guanglun , Li Lingling , Nasr-El-Din Hisham A.
Published: February 2011

A common problem for oil production is excessive water production, which can lead to rapid productivity decline and significant increases in operating costs. The result is often a premature shut-in of wells because production has become uneconomical. In water injectors, the injection profiles are uneven and, as a result, large amounts of oil are left behind the water front.

Many chemical systems have been used to control water production and improve recovery from reservoirs with high water cut. Inorganic gels have low viscosity and can be pumped using typical field mixing and injection equipment. Polymer or crosslinked gels, especially polyacrylamide-based systems, are mainly used because of their relatively low cost and their supposed selectivity.

In this paper, microspheres (5–30 μm) were synthesized using acrylamide monomers crosslinked with an organic crosslinker. They can be suspended in water and can be pumped in sandstone formations. They can plug some of the pore throats and, thus, force injected water to change its direction and increase the sweep efficiency. A high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) rheometer was used to measure G (elastic modulus) and G" (viscous modulus) of these aggregates.

Experimental results indicate that these microspheres are stable in solutions with 20,000 ppm NaCl at 175°F. They can expand up to five times their original size in deionized water and show good elasticity. The results of sandpack tests show that the microspheres can flow through cores with permeability greater than 500 md and can increase the resistance factor by eight to 25 times and the residual resistance factor by nine times. The addition of microspheres to polymer solutions increased the resistance factor beyond that obtained with the polymer solution alone. Field data using microspheres showed significant improvements in the injection profile and enhancements in oil production.
Development of an Algorithm of Dynamic Gridding for Multiphase Flow Calculation in Wells
Authors: Dong Chao C. , Bahonar Mehdi , Chen Zhangxing John , Azaiez Jalel
Published: February 2011

Because more and more wells have been put in operation, an accurate modelling of wellbore flow plays a significant role in reservoir simulation. One requirement of a wellbore model is its ability to trace various flow boundaries in the tubing, such as those created by phase or flow regime changing. An algorithm of dynamic gridding is applied to the wellbore flow model coupled with Stanford?s general purpose research simulator (GPRS), which has the capability to simulate the isothermal black oil reservoir model to obtain detailed information that explains such important quantities as flow pattern and mixture velocity in any specific location of wellbore. A significant problem in this case is how to calculate fluid and velocity properties with a fine grid (segment) on the boundaries of different flow regimes in the wellbore. Local dynamical segment refinement in the well can accurately and effectively handle this problem. This wellbore model includes mass conservation equations for each component and a general pressure drop relationship. The multiphase wellbore flow is represented using a drift-flux model, which includes slip between three fluid phases. The model determines the pressure, mixture flow velocity, and phase holdups as functions of time and the axial position along the well or alleviation depth. In addition, this model is capable of generating automatically adaptive segment meshes. We apply the black oil model to the simulation of several cases of isothermal dynamical local mesh refinement, and compare the results with fixed coarse and fine meshes. The experiments show that using local segment refinement can yield accurate results with acceptable computational time.
Coalbed Methane: Current Field-Based Evaluation Methods
Authors: Clarkson C.R.. R. , Bustin R.M.. M.
Published: February 2011

Coalbed methane (CBM) produced from subsurface coal deposits has been produced commercially for more than 30 years in North America, and relatively recently in Australia, China, and India. Historical challenges to predicting CBM-well performance and long-term production have included accurate estimation of gas in place (including quantification of in-situ sorbed gas storage); estimation of initial fluid saturations (in saturated reservoirs) and mobile water in place; estimation of the degree of undersaturation (undersaturated coals produce mainly water above desorption pressure); estimation of initial absolute permeability (system); selection of appropriate relative permeability curves; estimation of absolute-permeability changes as a function of depletion; prediction of produced-gas composition changes as a function of depletion; accounting for multilayer behavior; and accurate prediction of cavity or hydraulic-fracture properties. These challenges have primarily been a result of the unique reservoir properties of CBM. Much progress has been made in the past decade to evaluate fundamental properties of coal reservoirs, but obtaining accurate estimates of some basic reservoir and geomechanical properties remains challenging.

The purpose of the current work is to review the state of the art in field-based techniques for CBM reservoir-property and stimulation-efficiency evaluation. Advances in production and pressure-transient analysis, gas-content determination, and material-balance methods made in the past 2 decades will be summarized. The impact of these new methods on the evaluation of key reservoir properties, such as absolute/relative permeability and gas content/gas in place, as well as completion/stimulation properties will be discussed. Recommendations on key surveillance data to assist with field-based evaluation of CBM, along with insight into practical usage of these data, will be provided.
Experimental Study of Controlled Gravity Drainage in Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Zendehboudi Sohrab , Chatzis Ioannis
Published: February 2011

Oil production from a fractured reservoir with a gas cap and an oil zone usually takes place at a constant withdrawal rate until gas breakthrough; thereafter, the pumping rate is influenced by the presence of gas. Knowing the effect of pumping rate on production performance before gas breakthrough and selecting optimum pumping rates are necessary. In this paper, the concept of "critical production rate" (CPR) is introduced; it is the production rate at which a porous medium has a recovery factor (RF) equal to that for higher rates before gas enters into the production well, and is also the rate above which the difference between liquid levels in the fracture and matrix remains unchanged. One may use the CPR to choose a lower pumping rate to increase RF before gas breakthrough and to aid in understanding the physics of pumping from fractured media in real cases.

Flow visualization experiments were performed using rectangular unconsolidated-packed models with two fractures on the sides. Sensitivity analyses were performed on the effect of different system parameters on the CPR, the maximum possible withdrawal rate (MPWR), RF at gas breakthrough, and gas-liquid (G-L) interface behaviour in both matrix and fractures. Results show that as long as the porous medium is drained with a constant liquid withdrawal rate below CPR, the height difference between G-L interfaces in the matrix and fracture remains constant. CPR and RF can also be related to other system parameters using dimensionless numbers, such as fracture/matrix permeability ratio and Bond number.
Deflation Dread Disorder "The CPI is Falling!"
Authors: Leamer Edward E
Published: February 2011

Were suffering an epidemic of deflation dread disorder, according to Edward Leamer of UCLA who takes on the New York Times and leading talking heads. Leamer's contention is that deflation is not so bad and maybe not coming.
Modeling of Thin Layer Drying of Banana (Nendran Spp) under Microwave, Convective and Combined Microwave-Convective Processes
Authors: Ganesapillai Magesh , Regupathi I. , Murugesan Thanapalan
Published: February 2011

Drying kinetics of microwave, convective and microwave assisted convective drying of thin layer Nendran banana was investigated on a modified microwave oven. The drying characteristics through the operating parameters of the drying process, such as power output, air temperature, slice thickness and sample mass in terms of drying rate equation, were analyzed. An appropriate empirical model to represent the drying process was established by analyzing the available literature models with current experimental data. The statistical analysis for the selected model was performed, parameters like Mean Bias Error, Root Mean Square Error, reduced chi square and t-stat were estimated to examine the consistency of the model to represent the present experimental results. Higher rates and shorter drying times were achieved at a higher temperature and microwave heating power and lesser sample thickness and load. Microwave drying resulted in a substantial decrease in the drying time with better quality product when dried at higher power (300 W) level compared to other processes.
Carbonylation Contributes to SERCA2a Activity Loss and Diastolic Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Shao Chun Hong , Capek Haley L. , Patel Kaushik P. , Wang Mu , Tang Kang , DeSouza Cyrus , Nagai Ryoji , Mayhan William , Periasamy Muthu , Bidasee Keshore R.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Approximately 25% of children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes will develop diastolic dysfunction. This defect, which is characterized by an increase in time to cardiac relaxation, results in part from a reduction in the activity of the sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA2a), the ATP-driven pump that translocates Ca2+ from the cytoplasm to the lumen of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. To date, mechanisms responsible for SERCA2a activity loss remain incompletely characterized.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The streptozotocin (STZ)-induced murine model of type 1 diabetes, in combination with echocardiography, high-speed video detection, confocal microscopy, ATPase and Ca2+ uptake assays, Western blots, mass spectrometry, and site-directed mutagenesis, were used to assess whether modification by reactive carbonyl species (RCS) contributes to SERCA2a activity loss.

RESULTS

After 6–7 weeks of diabetes, cardiac and myocyte relaxation times were prolonged. Total ventricular SERCA2a protein remained unchanged, but its ability to hydrolyze ATP and transport Ca2+ was significantly reduced. Western blots and mass spectroscopic analyses revealed carbonyl adducts on select basic residues of SERCA2a. Mutating affected residues to mimic physio-chemical changes induced on them by RCS reduced SERCA2a activity. Preincubating with the RCS, methylglyoxal (MGO) likewise reduced SERCA2a activity. Mutating an impacted residue to chemically inert glutamine did not alter SERCA2a activity, but it blunted MGO's effect. Treating STZ-induced diabetic animals with the RCS scavenger, pyridoxamine, blunted SERCA2a activity loss and minimized diastolic dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

These data identify carbonylation as a novel mechanism that contributes to SERCA2a activity loss and diastolic dysfunction during type 1 diabetes.
Glycosylation Failure Extends to Glycoproteins in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Lee Cheuk-Lun , Chiu Philip C.N. , Pang Poh-Choo , Chu Ivan K. , Lee Kai-Fai , Koistinen Riitta , Koistinen Hannu , Seppälä Markku , Morris Howard R. , Tissot Bérangère , Panico Maria , Dell Anne , Yeung William S.B.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic disorder of pregnancy. Patients with GDM are at risk for high fetal mortality and gestational complications associated with reduced immune tolerance and abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Glycodelin-A (GdA) is an abundant decidual glycoprotein with glycosylation-dependent immunomodulatory activities. We hypothesized that aberrant carbohydrate metabolism in GDM was associated with changes in glycosylation of GdA, leading to defective immunomodulatory activities.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

GdA in the amniotic fluid from women with normal (NGdA) and GDM (DGdA) pregnancies was purified by affinity chromatography. Structural analysis of protein glycosylation was preformed by lectin-binding assay and mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity, cell death, cytokine secretion, and GdA binding of the GdA-treated lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells were determined. The sialidase activity in the placental tissue from normal and GDM patients was measured.

RESULTS

GDM affected the glycosylation but not the protein core of GdA. Specifically, DGdA had a lower abundance of α2-6–sialylated and high-mannose glycans and a higher abundance of glycans with Sda (NeuAcα2-3[GalNAcβ1-4]Gal) epitopes compared with NGdA. DGdA had reduced immuosuppressive activities in terms of cytotoxicity on lymphocytes, inhibitory activities on interleukin (IL)-2 secretion by lymphocytes, stimulatory activities on IL-6 secretion by NK cells, and binding to these cells. Desialylation abolished the immunomodulation and binding of NGdA. Placental sialidase activity was increased in GDM patients, which may account for the reduced sialic acid content of DGdA.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, this study provides the first direct evidence for altered enzymatic glycosylation and impaired bioactivity of GdA in GDM patients.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance, but Not Impaired Fasting Glucose, Underlies Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction
Authors: Shimabukuro Michio , Higa Namio , Asahi Tomohiro , Yamakawa Ken , Oshiro Yoshito , Higa Moritake , Masuzaki Hiroaki
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

Glucose intolerance is recognized as a predictor of congestive heart failure (CHF). However, the association of postprandial hyperglycemia or fasting hyperglycemia with CHF has not been clarified. We determined the impact of the total spectrum of glucose abnormalities on left ventricular (LV) geometry and diastolic function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Two hundred and eighty-seven Japanese subjects who visited the university hospital to be checked for glucose intolerance or known type 2 diabetes were consecutively recruited. Participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test if they had no history of diabetes, and LV geometry and LV systolic and diastolic function were analyzed by Doppler echocardiography.

RESULTS

The frequency of LV diastolic dysfunction in subjects with normal glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose (IFG), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), newly detected diabetes, and known diabetes were 13, 22, 50, 51, and 61%, respectively (χ2 = 54.2, P < 0.0001). IGT was a predictor for LV diastolic dysfunction after adjusting for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, and heart rate (odds ratio 3.43 [95% CI 1.09–11.2]), but IFG was not (0.49 [0.06–3.08]). IGT was a predictor after adjusting for established CHF risk factors but was no longer significant after adjusting for BMI and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

In this hospital-based registry of subjects without CHF, the prevalence of LV diastolic dysfunction was higher in subjects with IGT but not in those with IFG. Results suggest that IGT, as well as newly detected and known diabetes, could be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular events, partly through LV diastolic dysfunction.
Cross-Sectional Associations of Albuminuria and C-Reactive Protein With Functional Disability in Older Adults With Diabetes
Authors: Kuo Hsu-Ko , Al Snih Soham , Kuo Yong-Fang , Raji Mukaila A.
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE

To examine the relationship between albuminuria, inflammation, and disability in older adults with diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were from 1,729 adults (≥60 years) with diabetes in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2008. Disability in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), leisure and social activities (LSA), general physical activities (GPA), and lower-extremity mobility (LEM) was obtained from self-reports. Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) (mg/g) was categorized into normal (UACR <30 mg/g), microalbuminuria (UACR 30–300 mg/g), and macroalbuminuria (UACR >300 mg/g). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were quantified by latex-enhanced nephelometry.

RESULTS

In the full-adjusted model, microalbuminuria was associated with disability in ADL, LSA, and LEM with corresponding odds ratios (ORs) (95% CIs) of 1.51 (1.16–1.98), 1.62 (1.23–2.14), and 1.34 (1.03–1.74), respectively, compared with participants without albuminuria. Macroalbuminuria was associated with disability in ADL, IADL, and LEM with corresponding ORs (95% CIs) of 1.94 (1.24–3.03), 1.93 (1.23–3.02), and 2.20 (1.38–3.49), respectively, compared with participants without albuminuria. Elevated CRP (>0.3 mg/dL) was associated with increased odds of disability in ADL and LEM, with corresponding ORs (95% CIs) of 1.28 (1.00–1.62) and 1.68 (1.34–2.11), respectively. Subjects with both albuminuria and elevated CRP had higher odds of disability than individuals with no albuminuria and normal CRP.

CONCLUSIONS

Albuminuria and inflammation were independent correlates for disability among older adults with diabetes. There was an interaction of albuminuria and elevated CRP on disability, suggesting that the presence of subclinical inflammation may amplify the effect of albuminuria on disability in older adults living with diabetes.
Mental Health of Newly Arrived Burmese Refugees in Australia: Contributions of Pre-Migration and Post-Migration Experience
Authors: Schweitzer Robert D. , Brough Mark , Vromans Lyn , Asic-Kobe Mary
Published: February 2011

Objective: This study documents the mental health status of people from Burmese refugee backgrounds recently arrived in Australia, then examines the contributions of gender, pre-migration and post-migration factors in predicting mental health.

Method: Structured interviews, including a demographic questionnaire, the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, the Post-migration Living Difficulties Checklist and Hopkins Symptom Checklist assessed pre-migration trauma, post-migration living difficulties, depression, anxiety, somatization and traumatization symptoms in a sample of 70 adults across five Burmese ethnic groups.

Results: Substantial proportions of participants reported psychological distress in symptomatic ranges including: post-traumatic stress disorder (9%), anxiety (20%) and depression (36%), as well as significant symptoms of somatization (37%). Participants reported multiple and severe pre-migration traumas. Post-migration living difficulties of greatest concern included communication problems and worry about family not in Australia. Gender did not predict mental health. Level of exposure to traumatic events and post-migration living difficulties each made unique and relatively equal contributions to traumatization symptoms. Post-migration living difficulties made unique contributions to depression, anxiety and somatization symptoms.

Conclusions: While exposure to traumatic events impacted on participants’ mental well-being, post-migration living difficulties had greater salience in predicting mental health outcomes of people from Burmese refugee backgrounds. Reported rates of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms were consistent with a large review of adults across seven western countries. High levels of somatization point to a nuanced expression of distress. Findings have implications for service provision in terms of implementing appropriate interventions to effectively meet the needs of this newly arrived group in Australia.
Role of Vitamin C and Spirulina on Cisplatin Induced Interstitial Nephritis in Long Evans Rats
Authors: Akhter Jesmin , Alam Md Jahangir , Paul Uttam Kumar , Begum Tahmina , Rahman Md Atiar , Alim Afshan Jesmin , Naushaba Humaira
Published: February 2011

Context: Cisplatin, an effective antineoplastic agent, is the drug of choice in the treatment of germ cell tumours. It is one of the important nephrotoxic drugs. Oxidative stress is suggested to be a significant contributor to cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. So, vitamin C and spirulina having antioxidant properties are expected to deal with the situation. The study was designed to observe the effects of vitamin C and spirulina on cisplatin-induced interstitial nephritis in Long Evans rats. Study design: Experimental Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, from September, 2005 to December, 2006. Materials and Methods: Forty adult Long Evans rats, of either sex, weighing 220-300 gms each, were divided into four equal batches depending on the drug treatment they received: (a) 'normal control' – distilled water and normal saline, (b) 'experimental control' – cisplatin, (c) 'vitamin C treated' – cisplatin plus vitamin C, and (d) 'spirulina treated' – cisplatin plus spirulina. Histologically, nephrotoxicity was determined by the presence of inflammatory changes in the interstitium. Results: Nephrotoxic control rats showed marked interstitial nephritis as evidenced by histological features. Pretreatment with either vitamin C or spirulina reduced the cisplatin-induced interstitial nephritis (p<0.001), while spirulina was more effective than vitamin C as evidenced histologically (P< 0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that both spirulina and vitamin C have preventive impact on cisplatin-induced interstitial nephritis in rats. Key words: Cisplatin; interstitial nephritis; vitamin C; spirulina DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7014Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 47-51
Histological Study on the Diameter of the Acini of the Human Prostate Gland  A Postmortem Study
Authors: Ahmed Rukshana , Ara Shamim , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Mahbub Sabiha , Alim Abdul , Shahriah Sunjida
Published: February 2011

Context: Pathological process in the prostate gland occurs commonly in association with aging and includes inflammation, atrophy, hyperplasia and carcinoma. Detailed histologic knowledge will help urologists and pathologists to adopt appropriate plan for diagnosis and treatment of prostatic disease. Study design: Descriptive type of study. Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from August 2006 to June 2007. Materials: 70 post mortem human prostate glands were collected from unclaimed dead bodies that were under examination in the morgue of Department of Forensic Medicine, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka. Method: The samples were divided into three age groups i.e. group A (10-20 years), group B (21-40 years), group C (41-70 years). Histological study was carried out on relatively 29 fresh samples. Result: The mean ±SD diameter of acini in central zone was 0.29±0.04 mm in group A, 0.40±0.04 mm in group B and 0.43±0.09 mm in group C and the mean±SD diameter of acini in peripheral zone was 0.22±0.02 mm in group A, 0.26±0.05 mm in group B and 0.30±0.06 mm in group C. Statistically significant positive correlation (P<0.001) was found between age and the diameter of acini of the prostate gland. Conclusion: There was change in diameter of prostatic acini in relation to age. Key words: Prostate; histology; acini; diameter. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7015Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 52-55
A Gross Morphological Study of Human Postmortem Pancreas in Bangladeshi People
Authors: Firoz Ahmed
Published: February 2011

Context: Incidence of pancreatic disease increases day by day in Bangladesh. Recent advances in pancreatic surgery and search for new techniques toward investigation of pancreas are demanding a review of the morphology of the pancreas in Bangladeshi people. Objective: To establish a gross morphological standard of pancreas in Bangladeshi people. Study design: A descriptive type of study. Place and period of study: The study was carried out in the department of Anatomy, IPGM&R, Dhaka from November 1991 to May 1992. Materials: 40 (Forty) pancreases from Bangladeshi cadaver of either sex were taken for the study. Method: The collected samples were divided according to different age and sex and comparative studies were done between different age and sex groups. Result: For both the length and weight of the pancreas, there were no significant differences between male and female in the same age group and in between group B and C in the same sex. Significant differences were found in the same sex when compared between group A & B & group C & A. Conclusion: The observation and results of the present study are expected to standardize the morphology of pancreas in Bangladeshi people. Keywords: Pancreas; morphology. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7016Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 56-58
Microscopic Changes of the Placental Components in Maternal Anaemia
Authors: Begum Mahamuda , Ara Shamim , Kishwara Segupta , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Rayhan Khandaker Abu
Published: February 2011

Background: The placenta is vital for the maintenance of a normal pregnancy. Foetal growth and wellbeing depend on the functional and structural component of the placenta. The architecture of the placenta has been claimed to be changed in maternal diseases like anaemia. Study design: Descriptive type of study. Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from July 2005 to June 2006Materials and Methods: Sixty (60) placentae of Bangladeshi women were collected from Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Maternal and Child Health Training Institute (widely known as Azimpur Maternity), Dhaka within 6 hours of delivery. Out of 60 placentae, anaemic and control group were 40 and 20 respectively. The study was designed to determine the histological changes of placental components, which is influenced by maternal anaemia. Microscopic study of placenta was done by light compound microscope with Harris’ Haematoxylin & Eosin stain. The samples were divided into group A (control), group B1 (mild anaemia), group B2 (moderate anaemia) and group B3 (severe anaemia). Result: Pathological areas were significantly increased and villous area was reduced in anaemic groups. Conclusion: A comprehensive work considering the physiological, biochemical, genetic, electron microscopic and morphometric placental studies are needed to support the present study. Keywords: Maternal anaemia; placenta; villous area; pathological area. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7017Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 59-63
Effect of Maternal Preeclampsia on the Weight of the Placenta
Authors: Kishwara Segupta , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Begum Mahamuda , Rayhan Khandaker Abu , Ara Shamim
Published: February 2011

Context: Preeclampsia is a relatively common pregnancy disorder that is related to the placenta and causes variable maternal and foetal problems. Alterations in placental weight are evident in moderate to severe maternal preeclampsia. Study design: Cross-sectional descriptive type. Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka from August 2005 to June 2006. Materials & Methods: 60 human placentae from Bangladeshi women were collected from the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology of Dhaka Medical College Hospital and Mitford Hospital, Dhaka of which 30 from normal uncomplicated pregnancies (control group or group A) and another 30 from pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (preeclampsia group or group B), where the patients were normotensive previously. Results: The mean weight of the placenta was 406.90±72.64 gm in control group (group A) and 311.50±74.09 gm in preeclampsia group (group B) respectively. The mean difference in weight between two groups was statistically significant (P< 0.001). Conclusion: Placental weight was found reduced in maternal preeclampsia in comparison to that of normal pregnancy. Key words: weight of placenta; preeclampsia. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7019Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 69-71
Weight and Volume of Whole Thyroid Gland In Bangladeshi People: A Postmortem Study
Authors: Banna Fakhrul Amin Mohammad Hasanul , Sultana Zakia , Khalil Mansur , Sultana Seheli Zannat , Bakar Sheikh Muhammad Abu , Quddus Abdul , Rahman Fashiru
Published: February 2011

Context: The thyroid is a brownish red, highly vascular earliest endocrine glandular structure appears in mammal. The size of thyroid gland varies considerably with age, sex, physiologic state, race and geographical location. It is larger and heavier in females than in males, and it hypertrophies during menstruation and pregnancy. So this study is to carry out the macroscopic architecture of thyroid gland of different age groups in Bangladeshi people to establish a normal standard. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study. Place and period of study: Department of Anatomy, Sylhet M. A. G. Osmani Medical College, Sylhet, from July 2006 to June 2007. Materials: The study was carried out on 43 autopsied human thyroid glands aged 5 to 65 years. Thyroid glands were collected from unclaimed dead bodies autopsied in morgue of Sylhet M. A. G. Osmani Medical College, Sylhet. Methods: The collected specimens were divided into age group A (20 years and below), group B (21 to 50 years) and group C (above 50 years). All specimens were examined morphologically by fine dissection method. Result: The mean weight and volume of the thyroid gland was 13.27 ± 5.82 gm and 11.62 ± 4.76 ml respectively which are significant (p<0.01). Conclusion: From observation and results it reached conclusion that evidenced by weight and volume, the size and glandular structure gradually increase with age up to adolescence, remain stable in young and middle aged adult then slowly decline in old age. The present study will help to increase the information pool on the anatomy of thyroid gland of Bangladeshi people. To establish a normal standard for Bangladeshi people, further studies with large samples from different zones including goitre endemic zones of the country are suggested. Keywords: weight, volume, thyroid gland, postmortem. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7020Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 72-75
Present Status of Clinical Teaching in Bachelor of Dental Surgery Course of Bangladesh
Authors: Faruque Md , Talukder Humayun Kabir , Alam Kazi Khairul
Published: February 2011

Objective: To explore present status of clinical teaching in Bachelor of Dental Surgery course of Bangladesh. Methods: This study was conducted from July 2007 to June 2008 upon conveniently selected teachers (n=49) of clinical departments and students of 3rd year (n=83) and 4th year (n=111) of two government and two private dental institutes of Bachelor of Dental Surgery course. Data were collected using one semistructured self-administered questionnaires. Result: It was found that most of the clinical classes are conducted by lecturers, assistant professors. These classes were held mostly in morning which extended occasionally up to afternoon. Majority of teachers followed the curriculum to conduct clinical classes. They agreed that the students are benefited through these clinical classes and they learn how to examine a patient and take patients’ history and other clinical skills. They informed that inadequate number of teachers and patients are important barriers for clinical teaching. They suggested that clinical classes should be taken by the senior teachers and sufficient materials and instruments should be available for this purpose. It was also proposed that sufficient number of patients and increased number of teachers should be ensured. Discussion and recommendations: The barriers should be minimized and necessary actions should be taken as per suggestions given the teachers and students. Key words: Clinical teaching learning; Bedside teaching learning; Bachelor of Dental Surgery Course Bangladesh. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7021Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 76-80
Body Donation and its Significance in Anatomy Learning in Bangladesh  A Review
Authors: Chakraborty Sanjoy Kumar , Khan Habib , Islam Shaikhul , Yousuf BM Ali
Published: February 2011

Body donation is the bequest of whole body after death for the purpose of medical research and education. Cadaver and donated bodies remains a principal teaching tool for the Anatomists teaching gross anatomy. Anatomy learning without hands on training of dissection on human bodies is never considered perfect. The Anatomy act provides for the supply of unclaimed bodies to the hospitals and teaching institutions for the purpose of anatomical examination and dissection and other similar processes. In this article, suitability of body donation, importance of body donation, various factors such as age, culture, personality characteristics, donor's attitudes and role of mass media etc are discussed. Key words: Body donation; anatomy learning. DOI: 10.3329/bja.v8i2.7023Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy July 2010, Vol. 8 No. 2 pp. 85-88