Structural variants of biodegradable polyesterurethane in vivo evoke a cellular and angiogenic response that is dictated by architecture

This is the author's accepted manuscript. The final published article is available from the link below. Copyright @ 2008 Acta Materialia Inc.The aim of this study was to investigate an in vivo tissue response to a biodegradable polyesterurethane, specifically the cellular and angiogenic response evoked by varying implant architectures in a subcutaneous rabbit implant model. A synthetic biodegradable polyesterurethane was synthesized and processed into three different configurations: a non-porous film, a porous mesh and a porous membrane. Glutaraldehyde cross-linked bovine pericardium was used as a control. Sterile polyesterurethane and control samples were implanted subcutaneously in six rabbits (n = 12). The rabbits were killed at 21 and 63 days and the implant sites were sectioned and histologically stained using haemotoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, picosirius red and immunostain CD31. The tissue–implant interface thickness was measured from the H&E slides. Stereological techniques were used to quantify the tissue reaction at each time point that included volume fraction of inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, fibrocytes, collagen and the degree of vascularization. Stereological analysis inferred that porous scaffolds with regular topography are better tolerated in vivo compared to non-porous scaffolds, while increasing scaffold porosity promotes angiogenesis and cellular infiltration. The results suggest that this biodegradable polyesterurethane is better tolerated in vivo than the control and that structural variants of biodegradable polyesterurethane in vivo evoke a cellular and angiogenic response that is dictated by architecture.Irish Research Council for Science, Engineering and Technology: funded by the National Development Plan. Enterprise Ireland: Research Innovation Partnership

Test of Convergence in Agricultural Factor Productivity: A Semiparametric Approach

We tested for club convergence in U.S. agricultural total factory productivity using a sigma convergence test. We used the same club of states as used by McCunn and Huffman as well as different states within 10 clubs identified by the cluster analysis. Results showed convergence was evident only in a few club groups. Clusters group identified using a statistical method identified only converging clubs. Variables affecting total factor productivity among states were identified using parametric, semiparametric and nonparametric methods. Semiparametric and nonparametric methods gave a better fit than a parametric method as indicated by the specification test. Our results indicated that health care expenditure, public research and extension investment, and private expenditure are important variables impacting total factor productivity differences across states.Clubs, sigma convergence, cluster analysis, semiparametric and nonparametric methods, Productivity Analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Intravenous Dezocine for Postoperative Pain: A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Comparison With Morphine

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/97255/1/j.1552-4604.1986.tb03523.x.pd

Why Don't Farmers Adopt Precision Farming Technologies in Cotton Production?

We used the 2009 Southern Cotton Precision Farming Survey data collected from farmers in twelve U.S. states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia) to understand why farmers do not adopt seemingly profitable precision farming technology. Farmers provided cost, time constraint, satisfaction with the current practice and other as reasons for not adopting precision farming technology. Results from a multinomial logit regression model indicated that manure application on field, more formal education, larger farm size, participation in conservation easement or agricultural easement generally decreases the probability of nonadoption of precision agriculture in cotton production.precision agriculture, technology adoption, multinomial logit, Crop Production/Industries, Farm Management, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies, C25, Q16,

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays in snake gourd (Trichosanthes anguina l.)

The present experiment was undertaken to determine the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays on different biological parameters in snake gourd. The research was conducted in two generations namely M1 and M2 during spring-summer season (mid- February) of 2012 and 2013 at the Horticulture research station, Mondoury, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya. The parent material, selfed seeds of BCSG-28 variety were irradiated with 100 Gy, 150 Gy, 200 Gy, 250 Gy and 300 Gy doses of gamma rays. The seeds along with control were space planted for raising M1 generation. Each M1 plant was harvested separately and desirable M1 individual plant progeny rows were laid in RBD for raising M2 generation. The effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen used was assessed from the data on biological damage in M1 generation. In M1 generation, results showed a dose dependent retardation in biological parameters like seed germination, plant survival and 200 Gy was depicted as LD50 indicating less damaging effect at lower doses on genetic material. In M2 generation, Lower doses 100 Gy (28.80 effectiveness, 21.58 efficiency) and 150 Gy (18.33 effectiveness, 8.68 efficiency) treatments were found as effective and efficient and a wide range of induced variability was observed in almost all traits. The mutants with short fruit, higher fruit diameter and reduced vine length were isolated in M2 generation

Formulation of Fast-Release Gastroretentive Solid Dispersion of Glibenclamide with Gelucire 50/13

Purpose: Fast-release gastroretentive solid dispersions of glibenclamide using gelucire were prepared to achieve improved bioavailability.Methods: Hot melt granulation technique was adopted to prepare solid dispersions (SDs) of glibenclamide in gelucire 50/13 and were compared with pure glibenclamide and physical mixtures of drug and gelucire using hot stage polarized microscopy, powder x-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR, bouyancy as well as by in vitro release and in vivo studies. Further aging studies were carried out for the samples.Results: PXRD showed that glibenclamide was present in SD in an amorphous form while FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of hydrogen bonding in the SDs. In vitro buoyancy was found for 11 h and there was improvement in solubility and dissolution rate for all test formulations. Formulations were found to follow Zero order kinetic. During aging study, no decrease of in vitro drug dissolution was observed over 3-month period. Crystallinity in the SDs was observed following aging. A more pronounced lowering of blood glucose level in Wistar rats compared with the pure drug, suggests that the test formulations are superior.Conclusion: This study demonstrates the high potential of hot melt technique for obtaining stable fast release gastroretentive solid dispersions of poorly water soluble drug using polyglycolized glycerides as carriers

An Analysis of Rank Ordered Data

Many methods are available to analyze rank ordered data. We used a spectral density method to analyze Formosan subterranean termite control options ranked by Louisiana homeowners. Respondents are asked to rank termite control options from the most preferred to the least preferred option. Spectral analysis results indicated that the most preferred termite control choice is a relatively cheap ($0.13 per square foot) option of liquid treatment.FST, rank ordered data, spectral analysis, Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Comparison of Anterior Chamber Depth Measurements from the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer with IOLMaster

Purpose. To compare anterior chamber depth (ACD), representing the distance between the anterior corneal surface and anterior lens surface measurements between the Galilei Dual Scheimpflug Analyzer and the IOLMaster. Methods. A retrospective review of 65 individual patient eyes with normal anterior segments, and no prior ocular surgery was performed. Patients underwent ACD measurements with both devices during the same session by a trained examiner. Interdevice agreement was evaluated using paired two-tailed t-tests, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis. Results. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) ACD for the Galilei and IOLMaster was 3.37 ± 0.36 mm (range from 2.62 to 4.13) and 3.25 ± 0.38 mm (range from 2.34 to 3.92), respectively (Pearson correlation coefficient = 0.96). ACD mean difference was 0.12 mm (P < 0.0001); 95% limits of agreement was from −0.09 to 0.34. The Galilei measured slightly longer ACD values than the IOLMaster. There was no relationship between axial length and interdevice difference. Conclusion. ACD measurements correlate well between the Galilei and IOLMaster, with Galilei values on average 0.12 mm longer than the IOLMaster