bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The three-dimensional morphometry of the odontoid peg and its impact on ventral screw osteosynthesis
Authors: Puchwein P. , Jester B. , Freytag B. , Tanzer K. , Maizen C. , Gumpert R. , Pichler W.
Published: March 2013

Ventral screw osteosynthesis is a common surgical method for treating fractures of the odontoid peg, but there is still no consensus about the number and diameter of the screws to be used. The purpose of this study was to develop a more accurate measurement technique for the morphometry of the odontoid peg (dens axis) and to provide a recommendation for ventral screw osteosynthesis.

Images of the cervical spine of 44 Caucasian patients, taken with a 64-line CT scanner, were evaluated using the measuring software MIMICS. All measurements were performed by two independent observers. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to measure inter-rater variability.

The mean length of the odontoid peg was 39.76 mm (sd 2.68). The mean screw entry angle α was 59.45° (sd 3.45). The mean angle between the screw and the ventral border of C2 was 13.18° (sd 2.70), the maximum possible mean converging angle of two screws was 20.35° (sd 3.24). The measurements were obtained at the level of 66% of the total odontoid peg length and showed mean values of 8.36 mm (sd 0.84) for the inner diameter in the sagittal plane and 7.35 mm (sd 0.97) in the coronal plane. The mean outer diameter of the odontoid peg was 12.88 mm (sd 0.91) in the sagittal plane and 11.77 mm (sd 1.09) in the coronal plane. The results measured at the level of 90% of the total odontoid peg length were a mean of 6.12 mm (sd 1.14) for the sagittal inner diameter and 5.50 mm (sd 1.05) for the coronal inner diameter. The mean outer diameter of the odontoid peg was 11.10 mm (sd 1.0) in the sagittal plane and 10.00 mm (sd 1.07) in the coronal plane. In order to calculate the necessary screw length using 3.5 mm cannulated screws, 1.5 mm should be added to the measured odontoid peg length when anatomical reduction seems possible.

The cross-section of the odontoid peg is not circular but slightly elliptical, with a 10% greater diameter in the sagittal plane. In the majority of cases (70.5%) the odontoid peg offers enough room for two 3.5 mm cannulated cortical screws.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:536–42.
Correspondence
Authors: Capanna R.
Published: March 2013

We welcome letters to the Editor concerning articles that have recently been published. Such letters will be subject to the usual stages of selection and editing; where appropriate the authors of the original article will be offered the opportunity to reply.
Impact of a Protocol Advocating Dexmedetomidine Over Propofol Sedation After Robotic-Assisted Direct Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery on Duration of Mechanical Ventilation and Patient Safety
Authors: Torbic Heather , Papadopoulos Stella , Manjourides Justin , Devlin John W
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Controversy remains whether propofol or dexmedetomidine is the preferred sedative following cardiac surgery. Dexmedetomidine may offer advantages over propofol among patients undergoing robotic-assisted, minimally invasive, direct coronary artery bypass (MIDCAB) surgery given the rapidity with which this population is usually extubated after surgery.

OBJECTIVE

To measure the impact of a surgery protocol advocating use of dexmedetomidine rather than propofol after MIDCAB surgery on discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and patient safety.

METHODS

The records on consecutive adults undergoing MIDCAB surgery who received postoperative sedation with propofol or dexmedetomidine at a 508-bed academic medical center were analyzed before and after implementation of a post-MIDCAB surgery protocol advocating dexmedetomidine use.

RESULTS

Seventy-three propofol patients were compared with 53 dexmedetomidine patients. The groups were similar, except propofol patients were older (p = 0.002) and more likely to have underlying heart failure that was either moderate or severe (New York Heart Association class III or IV) (p = 0.0001). Time (median [interquartile range]) to extubation (hours) was shorter in the dexmedetomidine group (5.0 [3.6–7.0] vs 9.8 [5.0–16.3]; p = 0.0001). A Cox proportional hazards model revealed that patient age (p = 0.001) and duration of surgery (p = 0.003) influenced time to extubation between the dexmedetomidine and propofol groups but the presence of moderate or severe heart failure (p = 0.438), the number of coronary vessels operated on (p = 0.130), use of an opioid (p = 0.791), or the total dose of morphine administered (p = 0.215) did not. During sedation administration, more propofol-treated patients experienced 1 or more episodes of hypotension (systolic blood pressure ≤80 mm Hg, 11.6% vs 0%; p = 0.02), tachycardia (heart rate ≥120 beats/min, 8.6% vs 0%; p = 0.04), and unarousability (Sedation Agitation Scale score ≤2, 30.0% vs 9.4%; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a protocol promoting dexmedetomidine, rather than propofol sedation, after MIDCAB surgery facilitates faster discontinuation of mechanical ventilation and is associated with greater hemodynamic stability and arousability.
What's in a Name?
Authors: Tassé Marc J.
Published: March 2013

The World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of developing the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD–11). Part of this process includes replacing mental retardation with a more acceptable term to identify the condition. The current international consensus appears to be replacing mental retardation with intellectual disability. This article briefly presents some of the issues involved in changing terminology and the constraints and conventions that are specific to the ICD.
Disability, Disorder, and Identity
Authors: Wehmeyer Michael L.
Published: March 2013

The World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is the most important diagnostic tool, worldwide, to ensure that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive the supports they need to live richer, fuller lives. And yet, the ICD has naming conventions that create a conundrum for the field, requiring that all “conditions” in the ICD be named as a “disorder.” This article discusses the effect of naming on how people with intellectual disability are perceived by others and how they perceive themselves. The importance of continuing to move the field toward the adoption of functional/person–environment fit models of disability is discussed.
AAIDD Proposed Recommendations for ICD–11 and the Condition Previously Known as Mental Retardation
Authors: Tassé Marc J. , Luckasson Ruth , Nygren Margaret
Published: March 2013

The World Health Organization (WHO) is in the process of seeking input from professional stakeholder groups and consumers regarding the draft proposals of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD–11). The American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD) convened a small group of distinguished interdisciplinary expert professionals in intellectual disability to review the ICD–11 proposal regarding revisions of the condition previously known as “mental retardation.” This article presents the recommendations made by the AAIDD to the WHO Secretariat regarding the name, definition, diagnostic guidelines, and classification of the condition known today as intellectual disability.
Time-Dependent Degradation Pattern of Cardiac Troponin T Following Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Cardinaels Eline PM , Mingels Alma MA , van Rooij Tom , Collinson Paul O , Prinzen Frits W , van Dieijen-Visser Marja P
Published: March 2013

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is widely used for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, it is still unclear whether degraded cTnT forms circulate in the patient's blood. We therefore aimed to elucidate which cTnT forms are detected by the clinical assay.

METHODS

Separation of cTnT forms by gel filtration chromatography (GFC) was performed in sera from 13 AMI patients to examine cTnT degradation. The GFC eluates were subjected to Western blot analysis with the original antibodies from the Roche immunoassay used to mimic the clinical cTnT assay. To investigate the degradation pattern with time, standardized serum samples of 18 AMI patients collected 0–72 h after admission were analyzed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

GFC analysis of AMI patients' sera revealed 2 cTnT peaks with retention volumes of 5 and 21 mL. Western blot analysis identified these peaks as cTnT fragments of 29 and 14–18 kDa, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of direct Western blots on standardized serum samples demonstrated a time-dependent degradation pattern of cTnT, with fragments ranging between 14 and 40 kDa. Intact cTnT (40 kDa) was present in only 3 patients within the first 8 h after hospital admission.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate that the Roche cTnT immunoassay detects intact as well as degraded cTnT forms in AMI patients' sera during the period of diagnostic testing. Moreover, following AMI, cTnT is degraded in a time-dependent pattern.
Linkage Disequilibrium Estimation of Effective Population Size with Immigrants from Divergent Populations: A Case Study on Spanish Mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson)
Authors: Macbeth Gilbert Michael , Broderick Damien , Buckworth Rik C , Ovenden Jennifer R
Published: March 2013

Estimates of genetic effective population size (Ne) using molecular markers are a potentially useful tool for the management of endangered through to commercial species. However, pitfalls are predicted when the effective size is large because estimates require large numbers of samples from wild populations for statistical validity. Our simulations showed that linkage disequilibrium estimates of Ne up to 10,000 with finite confidence limits can be achieved with sample sizes of approximately 5000. This number was deduced from empirical allele frequencies of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in a commercially harvested fisheries species, the narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson). As expected, the smallest SD of Ne estimates occurred when low-frequency alleles were excluded. Additional simulations indicated that the linkage disequilibrium method was sensitive to small numbers of genotypes from cryptic species or conspecific immigrants. A correspondence analysis algorithm was developed to detect and remove outlier genotypes that could possibly be inadvertently sampled from cryptic species or nonbreeding immigrants from genetically separate populations. Simulations demonstrated the value of this approach in Spanish mackerel data. When putative immigrants were removed from the empirical data, 95% of the Ne estimates from jacknife resampling were greater than 24,000.
Assembly of the Synaptonemal Complex Is a Highly Temperature-Sensitive Process That Is Supported by PGL-1 DuringCaenorhabditis elegansMeiosis
Authors: Bilgir Ceyda , Dombecki Carolyn R , Chen Peter F , Villeneuve Anne M , Nabeshima Kentaro
Published: March 2013

Successful chromosome segregation during meiosis depends on the synaptonemal complex (SC), a structure that stabilizes pairing between aligned homologous chromosomes. Here we show that SC assembly is a temperature-sensitive process during Caenorhabditis elegans meiosis. Temperature sensitivity of SC assembly initially was revealed through identification of the germline-specific P-granule component PGL-1 as a factor promoting stable homolog pairing. Using an assay system that monitors homolog pairing in vivo, we showed that depletion of PGL-1 at 25° disrupts homolog pairing. Analysis of homolog pairing at other chromosomal loci in a pgl-1−null mutant revealed a pairing defect similar to that observed in mutants lacking SC central region components. Furthermore, loss of pgl-1 function at temperatures ≥25° results in severe impairment in loading of SC central region component SYP-1 onto chromosomes, resulting in formation of SYP-1 aggregates. SC assembly is also temperature sensitive in wild-type worms, which exhibit similar SYP-1 loading defects and formation of SYP-1 aggregates at temperatures ≥26.5°. Temperature shift analyses suggest that assembly of the SC is temperature sensitive, but maintenance of the SC is not. We suggest that the temperature sensitive (ts) nature of SC assembly may contribute to fitness and adaptation capacity in C. elegans by enabling meiotic disruption in response to environmental change, thereby increasing the production of male progeny available for outcrossing.
Plastome Sequence Determination and Comparative Analysis for Members of the Lolium-Festuca Grass Species Complex
Authors: Hand Melanie L , Spangenberg German C , Forster John W , Cogan Noel O I
Published: March 2013

Chloroplast genome sequences are of broad significance in plant biology, due to frequent use in molecular phylogenetics, comparative genomics, population genetics, and genetic modification studies. The present study used a second-generation sequencing approach to determine and assemble the plastid genomes (plastomes) of four representatives from the agriculturally important Lolium-Festuca species complex of pasture grasses (Lolium multiflorum, Festuca pratensis, Festuca altissima, and Festuca ovina). Total cellular DNA was extracted from either roots or leaves, was sequenced, and the output was filtered for plastome-related reads. A comparison between sources revealed fewer plastome-related reads from root-derived template but an increase in incidental bacterium-derived sequences. Plastome assembly and annotation indicated high levels of sequence identity and a conserved organization and gene content between species. However, frequent deletions within the F. ovina plastome appeared to contribute to a smaller plastid genome size. Comparative analysis with complete plastome sequences from other members of the Poaceae confirmed conservation of most grass-specific features. Detailed analysis of the rbcL–psaI intergenic region, however, revealed a “hot-spot” of variation characterized by independent deletion events. The evolutionary implications of this observation are discussed. The complete plastome sequences are anticipated to provide the basis for potential organelle-specific genetic modification of pasture grasses.
Comparative Genomics of Serial Isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans Reveals Gene Associated With Carbon Utilization and Virulence
Authors: Ormerod Kate L , Morrow Carl A , Chow Eve W L , Lee I Russel , Arras Samantha D M , Schirra Horst Joachim , Cox Gary M , Fries Bettina C , Fraser James A
Published: March 2013

The opportunistic fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans is a leading cause of mortality among the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome population and is known for frequently causing life-threatening relapses. To investigate the potential contribution of in-host microevolution to persistence and relapse, we have analyzed two serial isolates obtained from a patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome who suffered an initial and relapse episode of cryptococcal meningoencephalitis. Despite being identical by multilocus sequence typing, the isolates differ phenotypically, exhibiting changes in key virulence factors, nutrient acquisition, metabolic profiles, and the ability to disseminate in an animal model. Whole-genome sequencing uncovered a clonal relationship, with only a few unique differences. Of these, two key changes are expected to explain the phenotypic differences observed in the relapse isolate: loss of a predicted AT-rich interaction domain protein and changes in copy number of the left and right arms of chromosome 12. Gene deletion of the predicted transcriptional regulator produced changes in melanin, capsule, carbon source use, and dissemination in the host, consistent with the phenotype of the relapse isolate. In addition, the deletion mutant displayed altered virulence in the murine model. The observed differences suggest the relapse isolate evolved subsequent to penetration of the central nervous system and may have gained dominance following the administration of antifungal therapy. These data reveal the first molecular insights into how the Cryptococcus neoformans genome changes during infection of humans and the manner in which microevolution progresses in this deadly fungal pathogen.
Physical and Genetic Interactions Between Uls1 and the Slx5–Slx8 SUMO-Targeted Ubiquitin Ligase
Authors: Tan Wei , Wang Zheng , Prelich Gregory
Published: March 2013

The Slx5–Slx8 complex is a ubiquitin ligase that preferentially ubiquitylates SUMOylated substrates, targeting them for proteolysis. Mutations in SLX5, SLX8, and other SUMO pathway genes were previously identified in our laboratory as genomic suppressors of a point mutation (mot1-301) in the transcriptional regulator MOT1. To further understand the links between the SUMO and ubiquitin pathways, a screen was performed for high-copy suppressors of mot1-301, yielding three genes (MOT3, MIT1, and ULS1). MOT3 and MIT1 have characteristics of prions, and ULS1 is believed to encode another SUMO-targeted ubiquitin ligase (STUbL) that functionally overlaps with Slx5-Slx8. Here we focus on ULS1, obtaining results suggesting that the relationship between ULS1 and SLX5 is more complex than expected. Uls1 interacted with Slx5 physically in to yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation assays, a uls1 mutation that blocked the interaction between Uls1 and Slx5 interfered with ULS1 function, and genetic analyses indicated an antagonistic relationship between ULS1 and SLX5. Combined, our results challenge the assumption that Uls1 and Slx5 are simply partially overlapping STUbLs and begin to illuminate a regulatory relationship between these two proteins.
Transcriptome Profiling Following Neuronal and Glial Expression of ALS-Linked SOD1 inDrosophila
Authors: Kumimoto Emily L , Fore Taylor R , Zhang Bing
Published: March 2013

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) generally is a late-onset neurodegenerative disease. Mutations in the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene account for approximately 20% of familial ALS and 2% of all ALS cases. Although a number of hypotheses have been proposed to explain mutant SOD1 toxicity, the molecular mechanisms of the disease remain unclear. SOD1-linked ALS is thought to function in a non–cell-autonomous manner such that motoneurons are critical for the onset, and glia contribute to progression of the disease. Recently, it has been shown in Drosophila melanogaster that expression of human SOD1 in a subset of neuronal cells causes synaptic transmission defects, modified motor function, and altered sensitivity to compounds that induce oxidative stress. Here we used the Gal4-UAS (Upstream Activation Sequence) system to further characterize flies expressing wild-type Drosophila SOD1 (dSOD1) and the mutant human SOD1G85R (G85R) allele in motoneurons and glia. Cell-specific expression of both dSOD1 and G85R was found to influence lifespan, affect sensitivity to hydrogen peroxide, and alter lipid peroxidation levels. To better understand the genetic consequences of G85R expression in motoneurons and glia, we conducted microarray analysis of both young flies (5 days old) and old flies (45 days old) expressing G85R selectively in motoneurons or glia and concurrently in motoneurons and glia. Results from this microarray experiment identified candidate genes for further investigation and may help elucidate the individual and combined contributions of motoneurons and glia in ALS.
Response of antioxidant compounds to selenium and salicylic acid in wheat cultivars under dry land conditions
Authors: Sajedi N. , Boojar M.
Published: March 2013

In the present study, three dry land wheat cultivars, Azar 2, Sardary and Rasad, were tested for antioxidant enzyme activity, proline, malondialdehyde (MDA) and dityrosine (DT) content and grain yield after treatment with selenium and salicylic acid (SA). A factorial field experiment was carried out based on a completely randomized block design with three replicates. The experimental factors were three levels of salicylic acid (without SA; seed priming with 0.5 mM SA; seed priming + spraying with 1 mM SA) and two levels of selenium (0 and 20 g/ha). Significant increases in the activity of the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes and in the proline level were observed after treatment in the leaves of the three genotypes investigated, but this was associated with reduced MDA and DT content. The application of SA as seed priming and the foliar application of Se also increased the grain yield. These results suggest that cultivars exhibiting high antioxidant enzyme activity and proline content under dry land conditions may provide better drought tolerance in wheat.
Antioxidant depletion of HDPE geomembrane with sand protection layer
Authors: Rowe R.K. , Abdelaal F.B. , Brachman R.W.I.
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACT: The performance of a 1.5 mm thick high-density polyethylene geomembrane (GMB) in simulated municipal solid waste landfill liners is presented. Accelerated ageing experiments were conducted in geosynthetic liner longevity simulators that allow simulation of field conditions including elevated temperatures, overburden pressure, leachate circulation and composite liner exposure conditions. A 150 mm sand protection layer was used between a gravel drainage layer and an underlying GMB liner. A comparison between the results obtained for this sand protection layer and those obtained for a 580 g/m2 geotextile protection layer is presented in terms of both antioxidant depletion and tensile strains. The antioxidant depletion stage for the GMB with the sand protection layer was predicted to be around 500 and 9 years at 20°C and 60°C, respectively. The antioxidant depletion stage with a sand protection layer was longer than that with geotextile protection by a factor of 1.6 for the same GMB, leachate and test boundary conditions. A comparison between the tensile strains induced in the GMB with sand and geotextile protection layers shows that the long-term tensile strains in the GMB with a sand protection layer were substantially lower than those for the GMB with a 580 g/m2 geotextile protection layer.
Theoretical and experimental study of flow from sluice gates
Authors: Khalili Shayan Hossein , Farhoudi Javad , Barghi Khezerloo Abolfazl
Published: March 2013

The discharge coefficient of sluice gates in free and submerged conditions plays an important role in determining the flow rate past such structures. The effects of relative gate opening and submergence ratio have been widely considered by several investigators, mainly based on experimental work. Most of this work, however, lacks an analytical approach to include the variation of discharge coefficient as influenced by gate opening and submergence ratio. This paper, using energy and momentum conservation theory, presents an analytical method to determine the contraction ratio and discharge coefficient of sluice gates under free and submerged flow conditions. Based on suggested relationships for the contraction ratio, variations in energy loss under free and submerged flow and the submergence limit are determined and some graphical demonstrations are adapted. The results are compared with experimental data reported by several investigators and show good agreement.
Synchrony in dynamics of giant kelp forests is driven by both local recruitment and regional environmental controls
Authors: Cavanaugh Kyle C. , Kendall Bruce E. , Siegel David A. , Reed Daniel C. , Alberto Filipe , Assis Jorge
Published: March 2013

Populations of many species display spatially synchronous fluctuations in abundance. Synchrony is most commonly attributed to three processes: factors that influence recruitment (e.g., dispersal, early survival), large‐scale environmental variability, and spatially autocorrelated trophic interactions. However it is often difficult to link population synchrony to a specific dominant process, particularly when multiple synchronizing forces are operating. We utilized a new satellite‐based data set of giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) canopy biomass to examine population synchrony in southern California kelp forests on spatial scales ranging from 50 m to 300 km and temporal scales ranging from 1 to 11 years. We examined the relationship between synchrony and distance for adult kelp populations, kelp recruits, sea urchin abundance (a major grazer of kelp), and environmental variables known to influence kelp population dynamics. Population synchrony in giant kelp decreased with distance between populations: an initial rapid exponential decrease between 50 m and 1.3 km was followed by a second, large‐scale decrease between distances of 1.3 km and 172 km. The 50‐m to 1.3‐km spatial scale corresponded to the scales of synchrony in the abundance of sea urchins and young kelp recruits, suggesting that local drivers of predation and recruitment influence small‐scale synchrony in kelp populations. The spatial correlation patterns of environmental variables, particularly wave height, were similar to the synchrony–distance relationship of kelp populations from 1.3 km to 172 km, suggesting that regional environmental variability, i.e., the Moran effect, was the dominant process affecting synchrony at larger spatial scales. This two‐step pattern in the relationship between kelp biomass synchrony and distance was apparent in each of the 11 years of our study. Our results highlight the potential for synthesizing approaches from both landscape and population ecology in order to identify the multiple processes that generate synchrony in population dynamics.
Host range, host ecology, and distribution of more than 11 800 fish parasite species
Authors: Strona Giovanni , Palomares Maria Lourdes D. , Bailly Nicolas , Galli Paolo , Lafferty Kevin D.
Published: March 2013

Our data set includes 38 008 fish parasite records (for Acanthocephala, Cestoda, Monogenea, Nematoda, Trematoda) compiled from the scientific literature, Internet databases, and museum collections paired to the corresponding host ecological, biogeographical, and phylogenetic traits (maximum length, growth rate, life span, age at maturity, trophic level, habitat preference, geographical range size, taxonomy). The data focus on host features, because specific parasite traits are not consistently available across records. For this reason, the data set is intended as a flexible resource able to extend the principles of ecological niche modeling to the host–parasite system, providing researchers with the data to model parasite niches based on their distribution in host species and the associated host features. In this sense, the database offers a framework for testing general ecological, biogeographical, and phylogenetic hypotheses based on the identification of hosts as parasite habitat. Potential applications of the data set are, for example, the investigation of species–area relationships or the taxonomic distribution of host‐specificity. The provided host–parasite list is that currently used by Fish Parasite Ecology Software Tool (FishPEST, http://purl.oclc.org/fishpest), which is a website that allows researchers to model several aspects of the relationships between fish parasites and their hosts. The database is intended for researchers who wish to have more freedom to analyze the database than currently possible with FishPEST. However, for readers who have not seen FishPEST, we recommend using this as a starting point for interacting with the database.
Fire history, related to climate and land use in three southern Appalachian landscapes in the eastern United States
Authors: Flatley William T. , Lafon Charles W. , Grissino-Mayer Henri D. , LaForest Lisa B.
Published: March 2013

Fire‐maintained ecosystems and associated species are becoming increasingly rare in the southern Appalachian Mountains because of fire suppression policies implemented in the early 20th century. Restoration of these communities through prescribed fire has been hindered by a lack of information on historical fire regimes. To characterize past fire regimes, we collected and absolutely dated the tree rings on cross sections from 242 fire‐scarred trees at three different sites in the southern Appalachian Mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Our objectives were to (1) characterize the historical frequency of fire in southern Appalachian mixed pine–oak forests, (2) assess the impact of interannual climatic variability on the historical occurrence of fire, and (3) determine whether changes in human culture and land use altered the frequency of fire. Results demonstrate that fires burned frequently at all three sites for at least two centuries prior to the implementation of fire suppression and prevention in the early to mid 20th century. Composite mean fire return intervals were 2–4 yr, and point mean fire return intervals were 9–13 yr. Area‐wide fires that burned across multiple stands occurred at 6–13‐yr intervals. The majority of fires were recorded during the dormant season. Fire occurrence exhibited little relationship with reconstructed annual drought conditions. Also, fire activity did not change markedly during the transition from Native American to Euro‐American settlement or during the period of industrial logging at the start of the 20th century. Fire activity declined significantly, however, during the fire suppression period, with a nearly complete absence of fire during recent decades. The characterization of past fire regimes should provide managers with specific targets for restoration of fire‐associated communities in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The fire chronologies reported here are among the longest tree‐ring reconstructions of fire history compiled for the eastern United States and support the hypothesis that frequent burning has played a long and important role in the development of forests in the southern Appalachian Mountains.
Coculture With Endothelial Cells Enhances Osteogenic Differentiation of Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells via Cyclooxygenase‐2/Prostaglandin E2/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Signaling Under Hypoxia
Authors: Zhao Lixing , Wu Yeke , Tan Lijun , Xu Zhenrui , Wang Jun , Zhao Zhihe , Li Xiaoyu , Li Yu , Yang Pu , Tang Tian
Published: March 2013

Background: During periodontitis and orthodontic tooth movement, periodontal vasculature is severely impaired, leading to a hypoxic microenvironment of periodontal cells. However, the impact of hypoxia on periodontal cells is poorly defined. The present study investigates responses of cocultured endothelial cells (ECs) and periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) to hypoxia.

Methods: Osteogenic differentiation, molecular characterization, and various behaviors of PDLSCs and human umbilical venous ECs under hypoxia were assessed by quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, the effect of ECs on PDLSC osteogenic differentiation was tested using NS398 (cyclooxygenase 2 blocker), SU5416 (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] receptor inhibitor), AH6809, L‐798106, and L‐161982 (EP1/2/3/4 antagonists).

Results: First, hypoxia promoted osteogenic differentiation in PDLSCs and enhanced EC migration, whereas PD98059 (extracellular signal‐regulated protein kinase [ERK] inhibitor) blocked, and cocultured ECs further enhanced, hypoxia‐induced osteogenic differentiation. Second, NS398 impaired EC migration and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)/VEGF release, whereas cocultured PDLSCs and exogenous PGE2 partially reversed it. Third, NS398 (pretreated ECs) decreased PGE2/VEGF concentrations. NS398‐treated ECs and AH6809/SU5416‐treated PDLSCs impaired cocultured EC–induced enhancement of PDLSC osteogenic differentiation.

Conclusions: Hypoxia enhances ERK‐mediated osteogenic differentiation in PDLSCs. Coculture with EC further augments PDLSC osteogenic differentiation via cyclooxygenase‐2/PGE2/VEGF signaling.
Voyages of Measurement in Education in the Twentieth Century: Experts, Tools and Centres
Authors: Lawn Martin
Published: March 2013

Through the twentieth century, an international scientific community in education, testing and statistics appeared which was rooted in the same texts and processes and worked together across distance and in specific research centres. From Thorndike in New York in the early 1900s to Husén in Hamburg and Stockholm in the late 1900s, there is a web of shared procedures and purposes. The administration and management of education came to depend on the work of community to solve problems and develop governance and control across the sites and work of education.
Numbers Do Not Replace Thinking
Authors: Nóvoa António
Published: March 2013

The article is organised around three themes, each one illuminating half a century of historical life: (i) the first theme relates to the second half of the nineteenth century, analysing the role of statistics in the formation of state education systems; (ii) the second theme concentrates on the first half of the twentieth century and the importance of tests, examinations and surveys in the development of ‘pedagogical modernity’; (iii) the third theme looks at the historical period of the second half of the twentieth century, and how databases began to be used as an important tool in the formulation of educational policies. To conclude, the article underlines how comparison is becoming one of the main instruments of governance in contemporary societies — in other words, how power tends increasingly to be exercised through policies that claim to be ‘obvious’, ‘natural’, ‘evidence-based’, instead of being grounded on ideological and political options.
What is Wrong with the ‘What-Went-Right’ Approach in Educational Policy?
Authors: Steiner-Khamsi Gita
Published: March 2013

This article critically examines how ‘what-went-right’ analyses are used to subsequently justify the transfer of reform packages or ‘best practices' from one country to another. Similar to evidence-based policy planning, the what-went-right approach needs to be criticized for being presumptuous. There are three fallacies of the what-went-right analysis that the article dismantles: rationality, precision and universality. The article focuses on the façade of universality and examines how the claim to universal solutions is methodologically sustained. First, the author shows how standardized or normative comparison has in recent years overshadowed the other two types of comparison: comparison across time (historical analyses) and comparison across contexts ('simple comparison’). Then, she elaborates on why the what-went-right approach requires policy analysts to downplay differences between educational systems in order to establish comparability between cases. The emphasis on comparability and similarity of cases is a prerequisite to importing ‘best practices' from vastly different educational systems. But what if transfer occurs regardless of difference? There is a curious phenomenon that the article addresses in greater detail: the retrospective definition of a local problem. Given the worldwide circulation of ‘best practices' and traveling reform packages, policy analysts sometimes are under pressure to align their analyses of local problems with already existing global solutions. The article ends with a reflection on policy borrowing and lending research and situates the what-went-right approach in the broader question of why and how policy analysts ‘buy’ or ‘sell’ reform packages that worked well in one context for transfer into another.
Governing Education Systems by Shaping Data: From the Past to the Present, from National to International Perspectives
Authors: Borer Valérie Lussi , Lawn Martin
Published: March 2013

Nowadays, the use of indicators (benchmarks) to govern education systems and policies at national and international level is widespread. The practice of using data to administrate and govern education systems appeared at the end of the nineteenth century and developed throughout the twentieth century. Through national and international case studies, this issue studies the process and the conditions which allowed the emergence and the expansion of this phenomenon. Deciding how to collect useful data, how to organise data series according to models which allow comparison (or even ranking), and how to transform them into governing tools is essential for conducting data/benchmarks-based policies. This process leads to a new ‘vision’ (social construction of reality) of people, education systems and backgrounds, through new standardised objects like the ‘average child’ or an ‘achievement standard’. These processes are at the core of policies conducted by organisations at national, European or international level (European Commission, Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development [OECD], UNESCO). This issue aims to better understand these processes through historical and sociological analysis from national or inter/transnational points of view.
‘A Necropolis of Numbers’: Data Production in Switzerland's Decentralised Education System
Authors: Czáka Véronique , Freymond Mathilde , Borer Valérie Lussi
Published: March 2013

Since 1876 the educational landscape in Switzerland has been made up of more than 20 distinct education systems that are largely managed by the cantons themselves, with minimum interference from the federal state. However, approximately a century ago, Switzerland embarked on a policy of harmonisation, which draws on various data sources that are progressively shaped to serve this aim. Why are data important and what exactly are these data? Who needs, who collects and who shapes them? To what end? This article looks at the processes of collecting, comparing and shaping data through the journal published for close to 100 years by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Public Education. This journal was the first to produce yearly statistics on Swiss education at the end of the nineteenth century. The authors compile and compare the two versions of the journal — one in German, the other in French — and focus on two periods which seem particularly relevant for the history of statistics — namely, from the end of the nineteenth century to the First World War, and the 1960s-1970s.
Challenges of Medical Education in Nepal
Authors: Shankar PR
Published: March 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1.7878Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):1-2
Medicine counseling services at Tertiary care Hospital in Nepal
Authors: Bajracharya O , Shankar PR , Jha N , Banstola A , Shrestha R , Thapa H
Published: March 2013

Background and Objectives: Patient needs specific guidelines from their pharmacist in support of better compliance of their medicine used. Counseling of the patient and patient representative is important for improving the therapeutic out comes. Counseling patients can improve their understanding regarding medication, disease and life style modifications which in turn improves compliance. Material and Methods: Patients and/or patient party were counseled as per the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act-1990 guidelines. The data was collected as per OBRA-90 during the period of eighteen month and was analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 17. Results: Three hundred and fifty patients were counseled during the study period. Majority of the counseled patients were females [75.9%]. Mean counseling time taken by the pharmacist was 7.43 minute. Minimum time taken to counsel the patient was 6-10 minutes in 58.41% of the counseled, followed by less than 5 minutes in 19.68% and 11-15 minutes in 8.89%. About 10.47% were counseled for more than 15 minutes by the pharmacist. Greater numbers of the patients referred to the Medicine Counseling Center (MCC) were from Obstetrics and Gynecology departments and most of them were directed by doctors [50.47%]. Conclusion: This study highlights that role of doctor is important to encourage patient to attend counseling services. Counseling is the integral part that not only help patient to understand the use of their medicine but also to improve their therapeutic out comes. The effect of counseling on compliance should be studied in future. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1.7881 Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):14-20
Effect of Lamotrigine on fetal rat brain morphology
Authors: San N , Pandit RK , Dhungel S
Published: March 2013

Background and Objectives: Lamotrigine is a “second generation” anti-epileptic drug (AED) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is the first FDA-approved therapy after Lithium for maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. It crosses the placenta easily indicating that the maternal treatment leads to a considerable fetal exposure. This study is planned to study the morphological and histological changes induced by Lamotrigine in the fetal rat brain. Material and Methods: The morphological effect of lamotrigine on fetal rat brain was studied after giving four times its recommended therapeutic dose to 12 pregnant rats and placebo to 6 control rats during the period of organogenesis. The rats were sacrificed on the twentieth day of pregnancy. Body weight, body length, brain weight, brain volume, histological examination of the cerebral cortex and ventricular size of all the delivered fetuses were studied. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the data. Results: There was no significant difference in mean body weight, mean body length, mean brain weight and mean brain volume in control and experimental rat fetuses. However one lamotrigine exposed rat fetus had exencephalic malformation and its histological study of the cerebral cortex revealed ill defined plexiform layer and dilated lateral ventricle. Conclusion: Probability that lamotrigine produces congenital malformation in fetal rats, when used during pregnancy, is low. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1.7883 Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):26-29
Research article Evaluation of Genotype MTBDRplus Assay for identifying Multidrug Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in Nepal
Authors: Dahal B , Adhikari N , Shah Y , Simkhada RC , Maharjan B , Shrestha B
Published: March 2013

Background and Objectives: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains are serious threats to the control of tuberculosis and comprise an increasing public health problem. Rapid detection of such strains is quite critical in timely management of such issues. The study was performed with an objective to compare Genotype MTBDRplus reverse hybridization probe assay (Hain Lifescince, GmBH, Nehern, Germany) with culture based proportion method for rapidly identifying MDR-TB strains from suspected multi drug resistant cases, referred to GENETUP Kathmandu, Nepal. Methodology: A commercially available new Genotype MTBDRplus assay was evaluated for its ability to detect mutations in Mycobacterial isolates conferring resistance to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH). A total of 64 MDR isolates (i.e., at least resistant to RMP and INH), 5 fully susceptible strains and 1 RMP sensitive strains by conventional proportion method were analyzed using Genotype MTBDRplus assay. MTBDRplus assay is designed to detect the mutations in the hot spot region of rpoB gene, katG and regulatory region of inhA gene. Results: The MTBDRplus assay detected 59 of 61 RMP resistant strains (96.72%) with mutations on 81-bp hot spot region of rpoB gene and 60 of 63 INH resistant strains (95.23%) with mutation in codon 315 katG and regulatory region of inhA. The sensitivity and specificity for the detection of RMP resistance were 96.72% and 100% respectively. While, value of the same two variables for INH resistance were 95.23% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The new Genotype MTBDRplus assay represents a rapid, reliable, upgraded tool with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of INH and RMP resistance strains that can readily be included in a routine laboratory work for the early diagnosis and control of MDR-TB. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jmcjms.v1i1.7884 Janaki Medical College Journal of Medical Sciences (2013) Vol. 1 (1):30-37
HIV and Hepatitis B seroprevalence among the nepalese blood donors
Authors: Kandel SR , Ghimire P , Tiwari BR , Rajkarnikar M
Published: March 2013

Background: HIV and Hepatitis B infections are public health problems in Nepal. This study was conducted based at NRCS/CBTS, with the objective of determining the HIV and HBsAg sero-prevalence in non-remunerated volunteer blood donors. Materials and Methods: A total of 66,904 units of blood collected, following donor recruitment criteriaduring March 2009-Sept. 2010 was included for analysis. All donated blood samples were subjected to screening for Transfusion transmitted infections including HIV and Hepatitis B surface antigen using standard ELISA test kits (Dade Behring, Germany). Initial reactive sera were re-tested for reconfi rmation with same test kits plus another test kit (Detect-HIV, Adaltis Inc, and Qualisa). Results: Out of 66,904 units of blood collected, 56,973 units were from male and 9,931 were from female donors. Among the total screened samples, 73 (0.10%) were found to be positive for HIV, {0.11% (64/56973) in male and 0.09% (9/9931) in female}; the difference between male and female donors (?2<3.841) was statistically signifi cant. The seroprevalence of HIV was highest in age group of 30- 39 both in male and female (p<0.001). Similarly, for HBsAg, overall seroprevalence was found to be 0.47% (316/66904 {0.42% (242/56973) in male and 0.74% (74/9931) in female}. The difference was statistically signifi cant (?2<3.841). The highest HBsAg sero-prevalence(0.65%) was also observed in same age group i.e. 30-39 (p<0.001) in male but highest seroprevalence (2.63%) was observed inage group of ?50 in female. Conclusion: Both HIV and HBV sero-prevalence is high in adult voluntary blood donors. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 390-393 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7864
The role of electron microscopy in kidney lesions: A review of its diagnostic importance
Authors: Pant AD , Solez K
Published: March 2013

Electron microscopy is a technology which was at one time widely used for renal as well as non-renal benign and malignant diseases, but its use has been rapidly declining as hospitals all over the world cut down on expenses. This leaves the renal pathologist with only light microscopy and immunofl uorescence at his disposal to diagnose diseases. Few studies have stated the importance of electron microscopy in routine renal biopsy reporting. We look at different cases where electron microscopy has been helpful in diagnosis and review the literature to assess the role this investigative modality still has to play in modern renal pathology. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 411-415 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7871