bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Vitamin E on Antispermatogenic Effects of Indomethacin on Number of Sperm Containing Seminiferous Tubules of Testes in Long Evans Rats
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Khatun Monira , Begum Manowara , Hossain Muazzem , Akhter Jesmin , Paul Uttam Kumar , Begum Tahmina 
Published: August 2009

Context: Indomethacin is the most commonly and widely used nonsteroidal antiinflammatory analgesic and antipyretic drug. Despite its effectiveness as an antiinflammatory use, indomethacin causes inhibition of spermatogenesis leading to infertility. On the other hand, vitamin E enhances spermatogenesis. Therefore, the present study was designed to observe the protective role of vitamin E on indomethacin induced testicular damage. Objective: To observe the effects of vitamin E on indomethacin induced testicular damage in Long Evans rats. Study design: An experimental study. Place and period of study: The study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka. Materials and methods: Eightyfour mature Long Evans male rats were divided into four groups (I, II, III and IV). The rats of group I, II and III were treated with indomethacin at different doses and duration. Group IV rats were treated with indomethacin and vitamin E at different doses for 49 days. Histologically the number of sperm containing and nonsperm containing seminiferous tubules were counted. Results: There was significant reduction (P<0.001) in number of sperm containing seminiferous tubules when the rats were treated with indomethacin at low (2 mg/kg body wt/day) and high dose (10 mg/kg body wt/day) for 7, 14 and 42 days, respectively. On the other hand, rats treated with indomethacin and vitamin E for 49 days showed increase in number of sperm containing seminiferous tubules compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded from this study that vitamin E has potential role in the prevention of the antispermatogenic effects of indomethacin. Key words: Seminiferous tubules, Indomethacin, Vitamin E doi: 10.3329/bja.v7i1.3009 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2009, Vol. 7 No. 1 pp. 5-9
Percentage Area of Intimal Surface of the Infra-Renal Segment of Abdominal Aorta Affected by Atherosclerosis - A Postmortem Study
Authors: Nahar Saifun , Naushaba Humaira , Begum Jesmin Ara , Akhter Naznin 
Published: August 2009

Context: Atherosclerosis and its complications are still the major source of morbidity and mortality in the industrial world, and estimates have been offered that at its present rate of growth, will be the major cause of death from this disease by the year 2020 in the entire world, (Joseph 2004).The seemingly increased incidence of atherosclerotic disorders in the country, their fatal consequences and the paucity of relevant data, the present study was carried out to assess the percentage of area involved in atherosclerotic lesion of abdominal aorta of Bangladeshi males. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional. Place & time of study: In the department of Anatomy, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, during the study period of July 2005 to June 2006. Method: Abdominal aorta were collected from fifty Bangladeshi male dead bodies who underwent routine postmortem examination due to accidental death. Sudy was done to find out the macroscopic extent of atherosclerotic lesion of abdominal aorta (below the origin of renal arteries) from Bangladeshi male of different ages. The subjects were divided into lower (8-29), middle (30-40), higher (42-92) age groups. The atherosclerotic lesions were stained red by treating the aorta with sudden IV. The percentage of area on the intimal surface showing atherosclerotic lesion were measured by AutoCAD. Result: The percentage of area involved in atherosclerotic lesion was increase with advancing age. Unpaired student ‘t' test for statistical analysis revealed significant difference. (P<0.01) in between lower & higher age groups. Key words: Abdominal aorta, Atherosclerosis doi: 10.3329/bja.v7i1.3013 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2009, Vol. 7 No. 1 pp. 22-25
Effect of Fenugreek (Methi) on Cortical Thickness of the Thymus in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Mondal DK , Moinuddin MMA , Saha MM , Khanom AM , Yousuf BMA , Talukder MSA , Ara S 
Published: August 2009

Objective: To find out microscopically whether Trigonella foenumgraecum (fenugreek seeds/methi seeds) has got any preventive role against the lowering of cortical thickness of the thymic lobules in diabetes mellitus. Design: An experimental study on Long Evans rats which were divided into three equal groups depending on their different shorts of dietary feeding and drug treatment. Setting: Anatomy department of IPGMR (Institute of Post Graduate Medicine and Research) at present BSMMU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University) and BIRDEM (Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in diabetes, Endocrine & Metabolic Disorders). Subjects: Fifty eight healthy young Long Evans rats of either sex weighing 72 to 174gm aged between 50 to 60 days were used in this study. Main outcome measures: Variation of cortical thickness of the thymic lobules in different groups of rat. Result: Cortical thickness in the nondiabetic control group, which ranges from 30.17 to 36.99. and the mean was 34.83 ± 0.60. In diabetic control group the cortical thickness ranges from 17.78 to 26.46 and the mean was 21.85 ± 1 On the other hand, in the fenugreek- treated diabetic rats the cortical thickness ranges from 25.71 to 32.95 and mean cortical thickness was 30.49 ± 0.75. Conclusion: Fenugreek showed a tendency of acting against lowering of the cortical thickness of the thymic lobule of Streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus. However, further investigations are recommended for establishing fenugreek as a safe, useful effective agent to preserve the cortical thickness improving the diabetic condition by acting as antidiabetogenic agent. Key words: Diabetes mellitus, Differential lymphocyte count, Fenugreek, Thymus doi: 10.3329/bja.v7i1.3017 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2009, Vol. 7 No. 1 pp. 37-41
Views of Teachers Regarding Course Contents of Anatomy in Post Graduate MD Internal Medicine Curriculum
Authors: Banu Laila Anjuman , Ali M Shomsher 
Published: August 2009

Context: Anatomy is a compulsory subject for postgraduate medical courses of Bangladesh. MD internal medicine is a clinical course run by different universities of Bangladesh. To maintain a standard of medical education a curriculum is essential for a course. Again course content is an essential part of a curriculum. Doctor of Medicine (MD) courses consist of three parts. In Part-I, students study the basic medical subjects for six months. To produce clinicians with appropriate anatomical knowledge in a short time within six months period proper customized (relevant) course content regarding Anatomy part is necessary. But the problem is that in our postgraduate course much subjectivity is present in every aspects of curriculum. This subjectivity is due to inclusion of more general aspects of Anatomy and exclusion of specific deeper relevant Anatomy. Realizing this problem the present study was designed to formulate some principles for selecting course contents for the Anatomy portion of MD Internal Medicine course. Study Design: This was a descriptive study. Place & Period of study: Center for Medical Education, Dhaka from July 2007-June 2008. Method: It was based on analyses of opinion of students and teachers through focus group discussion involving teachers of Internal Medicine and Anatomy. These people were chosen through two stage random sampling within clusters. Two Focus group discussions were used to get feedback on the importance of various anatomical topics that should be included as course content. Of a total of 18 teachers response in focus group discussion. In FGD 83% response was received from the teachers in Anatomy and 66 % on teachers in Medicine. Result: Opinion derived from the FGD indicate that for the selection of the course content following concluding remarks should be made: Cardiovascular anatomy, respiratory anatomy and anatomy of the nervous system should be considered important for the Internal Medicine. For knowing the anatomical landmarks all of the surface anatomy should receive attention for Medicine. Functional implication and effect of obliteration of arterial supply, lymphatic drainage and nerve supply receives importance. Sectional and radiological anatomy is considered important for the course for interpretation of X-ray, CT scan and MRI. Anatomical variation should be considered important as well as congenital anomalies of cardiovascular and genitourinary system. Knowledge of the structure of the mucous membrane is important for clinical correlation of the biopsy reports. Basic genetics, cell biology should be important but kept in mind that repetition should be avoided in others subjects as in Biochemistry and Physiology. Key words: Anatomy, Course content, MD Internal medicine. doi: 10.3329/bja.v7i1.3027 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy January 2009, Vol. 7 No. 1 pp. 55-61
Testing an OMERACT MRI Scoring System for Peripheral Psoriatic Arthritis in Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Settings
Authors: McQUEEN FIONA , LASSERE MARISSA , DUER-JENSEN ANNE , WIELL CHARLOTTE , CONAGHAN PHILIP G. , GANDJBAKHCH FRÉDÉRIQUE , HERMANN KAY-GEERT A. , BIRD PAUL , BØYESEN PERNILLE , PETERFY CHARLES , EJBJERG BO , HAAVARDSHOLM ESPEN A. , COATES LAURA , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL 
Published: August 2009

Objective.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used to measure articular inflammation and damage in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We evaluated the reliability of a new OMERACT PsA MRI scoring system, PsAMRIS, in PsA fingers.Methods.In 2 separate studies, MRI scans were obtained from patients with clinical evidence of synovitis or dactylitis of the fingers. For the first cross-sectional study, images were obtained at one timepoint. For the second longitudinal study, images were obtained at 2 timepoints, 6 weeks apart. Scans were scored using PsAMRIS in an international multireader setting, for synovitis, tenosynovitis, periarticular inflammation, bone edema, bone erosions, and bone proliferation.Results.Global status scores from both datasets revealed moderate to high reliability for scoring most features, although reliability was poor for periarticular inflammation in the cross-sectional study. Change scores that reflected inflammatory activity also exhibited moderate to good reliability in the longitudinal exercise, despite there being very little absolute change in MRI synovitis or tenosynovitis observed in this dataset. At the distal interphalangeal joints, reliability for change scores was acceptable only for synovitis and tenosynovitis.Conclusion.Further development and testing of the PsAMRIS is planned to improve its performance as a clinical and research tool to identify and measure pathology in peripheral joint PsA.
Proposal for Levels of Evidence Schema for Validation of a Soluble Biomarker Reflecting Damage Endpoints in Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis, and Ankylosing Spondylitis, and Recommendations for Study Design
Authors: MAKSYMOWYCH WALTER P. , FITZGERALD OLIVER , WELLS GEORGE A. , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , LANDEWÉ ROBERT , ØSTERGAARD MIKKEL , TAYLOR WILLIAM J. , CHRISTENSEN ROBIN , TAK PAUL-PETER , BOERS MAARTEN , SYVERSEN SILJE W. , BATHON JOAN M. , RITCHLIN CHRISTOPHER J. , MEASE PHILIP J. , BYKERK VIVIEN P. , GARNERO PATRICK , GEUSENS PIET , EL-GABALAWY HANI , ALETAHA DANIEL , INMAN ROBERT D. , KRAUS VIRGINIA BYERS , KVIEN TORE K. , van der HEIJDE DÉSIRÉE 
Published: August 2009

Objective.At OMERACT 8 a framework for levels of evidence was proposed for the validation of biomarkers as surrogate outcome measures. We aimed to adapt this scheme in order to apply it in the setting of soluble biomarkers proposed to replace the measurement of damage endpoints in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). We also aimed to generate consensus on minimum standards for the design of longitudinal studies aimed at validating biomarkers.Methods.Before the meeting, the Soluble Biomarker Working Group prepared a preliminary framework and discussed various models for association and prediction related to the statistical strength domain. In addition, 3 Delphi exercises addressing longitudinal study design for RA, PsA, and AS were conducted within the working group and members of the Assessments in SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) and the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA). This formed the basis for discussions among OMERACT 9 participants.Results.The proposed framework was accepted by consensus. In the study design domain a requirement for both prospective observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCT) in different drug classes was noted. A template for determining the level of statistical strength was proposed. The addition of a new domain on biomarker assay performance was considered essential, and participants suggested that for any biomarker this domain should be addressed first, i.e., before starting clinical validation studies. Participants agreed on most elements of a longitudinal study design template. Where consensus was lacking the working group has drafted solutions that constitute a basis for prospective validation studies.Conclusion.The OMERACT 9 Soluble Biomarker Group has successfully formulated a levels of evidence scheme and a study design template that will provide guidance to conduct validation studies in the setting of soluble biomarkers proposed to replace the measurement of damage endpoints in RA, PsA, and AS.
Proton Transport from Dendritic Helical‐Pore‐Incorporated Polymersomes
Authors: Kim Anthony J. , Kaucher Mark S. , Davis Kevin P. , Peterca Mihai , Imam Mohammad R. , Christian Natalie A. , Levine Dalia H. , Bates Frank S. , Percec Virgil , Hammer Daniel A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe ability to add synthetic channels to polymersome (polymer vesicle) membranes could lead to novel membrane composites with unique selectivity and permeability. Proton transport through two different synthetic pores, self‐assembled from either a dendritic dipeptide, (6Nf‐3,4‐3,5)12G2‐CH2‐Boc‐L‐Tyr‐L‐Ala‐OMe, or a dendritic ester, (R)‐4Bp‐3,4‐dm8G1‐COOMe, incorporated into polymersome membranes are studied. Polymersomes provide an excellent platform for studying such transport processes due to their robustness and mechanical and chemical stability compared to liposomes. It is found that the incorporated dendritic dipeptide and dendritic ester assemble into stable helical pores in the poly(ethylene oxide)‐polybutadiene (PEO‐PBD) polymersomes but not in the poly(2‐methyloxazoline)‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐poly(2‐methyl oxazoline) (PMOX‐PDMS‐PMOX) polymersomes. The incorporation is confirmed by circular dichroism (CD), changes in purely synthetic mechanical strength (e.g., areal expansion modulus) as assessed by micropipette aspiration, and cryo‐TEM. In addition to the structural analyses, a transport measurement shows the incorporated dendritic helical pores allow facile transport of protons across the polymersome membranes after up to one month of storage. This integration of synthetic porous channels with polymersome substrates could provide a valuable tool for studying active transport processes in a composite membrane. These composites will ultimately expand the family of biologically inspired porous‐membrane mimics.
In vivo Engineering of Tissues: Biological Considerations, Challenges, Strategies, and Future Directions
Authors: Shastri V. Prasad 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMoving forward materials‐based regenerative medicine faces many challenges to ensure clinical success. Many of these challenges lie at the interface of molecular/structural biology and materials science. This review discusses this issue from a biological and material view‐point, highlighting key biological processes and variables that can impact the repair processes. From a materials design stand point, developing materials that can promote healing over scarring is the key. All indicators suggest that polymeric materials are most well‐suited for de novo engineering of tissues. In addition to biomolecular signals that are involved in controlling the fate of cells and neo‐tissue morphogenesis at the site of implantation, this review also discusses recent advances in design of highly functional injectable biomaterials, that show promise in controlling local biological processes.
Experimental and thermal analysis of washing the packed ice bed in wash columns
Authors: Qin Frank G. F. , Yang Min Lin , Yang Xiao Xi , Chen Xiao Dong , Abeynaike Arjan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the process of freeze concentration (FC), the main problems in operating the counter‐current wash column used for separating ice from ice slurries are channeling and viscous fingering. These phenomena lead to the mixing of pure water and mother liquid, as well as entrainment of mother liquid within the removed ice. Experimental and thermal analysis of the wash front interface in this research relates ice melting and wash front breakthrough with the operating conditions (such as the wash water temperature, ice bed temperature and porosity). Criteria for wash front stability are proposed. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Brief communication: Puncture and crushing resistance scores of Tana river mangabey (Cercocebus galeritus) diet items
Authors: Wieczkowski Julie 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCercocebus mangabeys are characterized by dental traits that have been interpreted as adaptations to eat hard diet items. Although there are data that mangabeys include a large proportion of fruit and especially seeds in their diets, no hardness measurements have been done on mangabeys' food items. This study measured puncture and crushing resistance of food items in the diet of the Tana River mangabey (C. galeritus). Feeding data were collected by the use of scan samples from one mangabey group from August 2000 to July 2001 and from July 2005 to June 2006. Food items were collected during the latter period only, and from the same tree in or under which mangabeys had been observed eating. A portable agricultural fruit tester was used to measure the puncture resistance of fruit and a valve spring tester was used to measure the crushing resistance of seeds. The average puncture resistance of fruit was 1.7 kg/mm2, and the average crushing resistance of seeds was 12.8 kg. There were no correlations between puncture resistance, crushing resistance, or all resistance scores and frequency contribution to the diet. Resistance scores measured in this study were within the range of hardness scores of fruit and exceeded hardness scores of seeds eaten by other hard object feeders. Although this study supports the interpretation that Cercocebus dental traits are adaptations to hard object feeding, future research should investigate other material properties of food, as well as the role hard diet items play in niche separation and as fallback foods. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Local institutional review board (IRB) review of a multicenter trial: Local costs without local context
Authors: Ravina Bernard , Deuel Lisa , Siderowf Andrew , Dorsey E. Ray 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMulticenter clinical research involves parallel Institutional Review Board (IRB) reviews based on the premise that local review reflects aspects of the research environment. We examined the costs and effects of local IRB review of the consent and protocol in a multicenter clinical trial in Parkinson disease. Seventy‐six percent of changes to the consent reflected standard institutional language, with no substantive changes to the protocol. The costs of this process exceeded $100,000. These findings support initiatives by the Office of Human Research Protections (OHRP) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to facilitate centralized reviews. This may be an opportune time for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) to adopt a central review model. ANN NEUROL 2010;67:258–260
An operant approach to teaching joint attention skills to children with autism
Authors: Isaksen Jørn , Holth Per 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA lack of joint attention skills may constitute a core impairment in autism. In the present study, a training protocol was developed, based on the literature on joint attention and on behavioral interventions. The training was organized into a sequence of three main parts respectively aimed at establishing each of the following skills: (1) responding to joint attention bids, (2) engaging in turn‐taking activities based on joint attention skills, and (3) initiating joint attention. Two novel components were incorporated in the training: (a) a discrimination training procedure aimed at establishing the adult's nods as conditioned reinforcers and (b) tasks based on turn‐taking, where joint attention skills were targeted and reinforced. The study was conducted according to a single‐subject experimental design, in which joint attention skills were measured before and after intervention, using the “behavioral assessment of joint attention.” Four 3.5–5.5 year‐old children diagnosed with autism participated in the study. All four children completed the training successfully and made significant progress in engaging in joint attention and in initiating joint attention skills. Following the completion of training and at 1 month follow‐up, parents reported that their children used their skills in different settings. Moreover, at follow‐up, all four children were reported to engage in joint attention behaviors and to enjoy doing so. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of randomized controlled trials in liver surgery using surgery-related mortality or morbidity as endpoint
Authors: van den Broek M A J , van Dam R M , Malagó M , Dejong C H C , van Breukelen G J P , Olde Damink S W M 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
There is a shortage of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on which to base guidelines in liver surgery. The feasibility of conducting an adequately powered RCT in liver surgery using the dichotomous endpoints surgery-related mortality or morbidity was examined.

Methods
Articles published between January 2002 and November 2007 with mortality or morbidity after liver surgery as primary endpoint were retrieved. Sample size calculations for a RCT aiming to show a relative reduction of these endpoints by 33, 50 or 66 per cent were performed.

Results
The mean operative mortality rate was 1·0 per cent and the total morbidity rate 28·9 per cent; mean rates of bile leakage and postresectional liver failure were 4·4 and 2·6 per cent respectively. The smallest numbers of patients needed in each arm of a RCT aiming to show a 33 per cent relative reduction were 15 614 for operative mortality, 412 for total morbidity, 3446 for bile leakage and 5924 for postresectional liver failure.

Conclusion
The feasibility of conducting an adequately powered RCT in liver surgery using outcomes such as mortality or specific complications seems low. Conclusions of underpowered RCTs should be interpreted with caution. A liver surgery-specific composite endpoint may be a useful and clinically relevant solution to pursue.