Prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial dirigidas a los stakeholders en PYMEs del Valle del Cauca: literatura vs práctica / Stakeholder-oriented corporate social responsibility practices in SMEs in Valle del Cauca: literature vs. practice / Práticas de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa centradas nas partes interessadas nas PMEs do Valle do Cauca: literatura vs. prática

RESUMEN Las empresas requieren el desarrollo de prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial - RSE que sean un medio de relación con sus grupos de interés y que evidencien cómo contribuyen en la satisfacción de las necesidades de los mismos. Este artículo busca realizar un análisis descriptivo de las prácticas de RSE por grupo de interés que se presentan en la literatura y hacer un comparativo con las prácticas que reportan las PYMES más exportadoras del Valle del Cauca. Para lo cual se realiza una revisión de los artículos académicos entre 2010 y 2020 y se hace un análisis de contenido sobre las prácticas de RSE publicadas en las páginas web de las PYMES más exportadoras del Valle del Cauca de acuerdo al reporte de la Cámara de Comercio de Cali en el ano 2020, teniendo como base de comparación las dimensiones de RSE econòmica, filantrópica y ético-legal planteadas por Carroll. Los resultados indican que el grupo de interés que mayor cantidad de prácticas percibe por parte de las PYMES analizadas son los empleados y que la dimensión de RSE que más prácticas tienen es la ético-legal. Por último, se halla que múltiples prácticas van dirigidas a dos o más grupos de interés lo que permite una optimización de recursos y un mejor alcance por práctica de RSE aplicada en las PYMES.

ABSTRACT Companies require the development of corporate social responsibility - CSR practices that are a means of relating with their stakeholders and that demonstrate how they contribute to satisfying their needs. This article seeks to carry out a descriptive analysis of CSR practices by stakeholder presented in the literature and to make a comparison with the practices reported by the most exporting SMEs in Valle del Cauca.To this end, a review of academic articles between 2010 and 2020 was carried out and a content analysis was made of the CSR practices published on the web pages of the most exporting SMEs in Valle del Cauca according to the report of the Cali Chamber of Commerce in 2020, using as a basis for comparison the dimensions of economic, philanthropic and ethical-legal CSR proposed by Carroll. The results indicate that the stakeholder group that perceives the greatest number of practices on the part of the SMEs analyzed are the employees, and that the CSR dimension with the most practices is ethical-legal. Finally it is found that multiple practices are aimed at two or more stakeholders, which allows for an optimization of resources and a better scope per CSR practice applied in SMEs.

RESUMO As empresas exigem o desenvolvimento de práticas de Responsabilidade Social Corporativa - RSE que sejam um meio de relacionamento com suas partes interessadas e que mostrem como elas contribuem para satisfazer suas necessidades. Este artigo procura realizar uma análise descritiva das práticas de RSE pelas partes interessadas apresentadas na literatura e fazer uma comparação com as práticas relatadas pelas PMEs mais exportadoras do Valle del Cauca. Para isso, é feita uma revisão dos artigos acadêmicos entre 2010 e 2020 e é feita uma análise de conteúdo das práticas de RSE publicadas nos sites das PMEs mais exportadoras de Valle del Cauca, de acordo com o relatório da Câmara de Comércio de Cali em 2020, usando como base de comparação as dimensões da RSE econômica, filantrópica e ético-legal proposta pela Carroll. Os resultados indicam que o grupo de participantes com o maior número de práticas percebidas pelas PMEs analisadas são os funcionários e que a dimensão de RSE com o maior número de práticas ético-jurídicas. Finalmente, constata-se que múltiplas práticas visam duas ou mais partes interessadas, o que permite uma otimização dos recursos e um melhor escopo por prática de RSE aplicada nas PMEs.

THE CORPORATES SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN KARNATAKA STATE: ANALYSIS OF TRENDS AND DYNAMICS

The current article is a outcome of review of data. After 2014, the contribution of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has expanded significantly in India, and it is regarded a game-changer in the development process. A growing number of businesses are getting involved in this procedure, which is mandated by the government under Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013. Karnataka is a major state in southern India, and it is home to a number of large-scale industries. Karnataka has also seen a significant increase in corporate social responsibility investment when compared to other states. This paper conducts a thorough investigation into the trends in CSR expenditure in Karnataka from 2014 to 2021, as well as the spending patterns by districts.

Effects of Fixed-Point Lateral Flexion and Rotation Manipulation on Intervertebral Foramina Morphology of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy / 医用生物力学

Objective To analyze the changes in morphology of intervertebral foramina in patients with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) treated with fixedpoint lateral flexion and rotation manipulation based on three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction technology, so as to provide references for the effectiveness of manipulation treatment. MethodsForty patients with CSR were treated with fixed point lateral flexion and rotation manipulation once every other day for a total of 7 times and 2 weeks as a course of treatment. CT data of the patients before and after treatment were analyzed by using multifunctional CT, Mimics 21.0, Geomagic and SolidWorks 2017. The area of the intervertebral foramen, anterior and posterior diameter of the intervertebral foramen, upper and lower diameter of the intervertebral foramen were measured before and after treatment, as well as the infrared thermal imaging temperature differences of the bilateral neck and shoulder, front and back of the upper limb, and the VAS scores of the patients were observed before treatment, 7 d after treatment, 14 d after treatment and 1 month follow-up. Results Foraminal area, anterior and posterior diameters, upper and lower diameters of 40 patients were improved after treatment, and the temperature differences of infrared thermal imaging of patients before and after treatment were statistically significant. The VAS score of the patients decreased progressively. Conclusions Fixed point lateral flexion manipulation can significantly improve the shape of the intervertebral foramen in patients with CSR, so as to achieve the treatment purpose of relieving nerve compression.

Effect of wheat-grain moxibustion on the expression of Beclin-1/GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) on the expressions of Beclin-1 and GRP78 in spinal dorsal horn in rats with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR), and to explore the possible analgesic mechanism of wheat-grain moxibustion for CSR.@*METHODS@#A total of 48 SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a model group, a wheat-grain moxibustion group and a wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, 12 rats in each group. The CSR model was prepared by spinal cord insertion method. Three days after modeling, the rats in the model group were intraperitoneally injected with 1 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride solution; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion group were treated with wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time) on the basis of the model group; the rats in the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group were intraperitoneally injected with 3-MA solution and wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14, 6 cones per time). The three groups were intervened for 7 days, once a day. The gait score and mechanical pain threshold were observed before treatment and 7 days into treatment; after the treatment, the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 in spinal dorsal horn were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry; the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was detected by Western blot method; the autophagosomes and ultrastructure in spinal dorsal horn neurons were observed by electron microscope.@*RESULTS@#After the treatment, compared with the sham operation group, in the model group, the gait score was increased and the mechanical pain threshold was decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group and the wheat-grain moxibustion+3-MA group, in the wheat-grain moxibustion group, the gait score was decreased and mechanical pain threshold was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of GRP78 protein in spinal dorsal horn was decreased, and the expressions of mRNA and protein of Beclin-1 were increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscope, the ultrastructure of spinal dorsal horn neurons in the wheat-grain moxibustion group was not significantly damaged, and its structure was basically close to normal, and the number of autophagosomes was more than the other three groups.@*CONCLUSION@#Wheat-grain moxibustion at "Dazhui" (GV 14) has analgesic effect on CSR rats. The mechanism may be related to moderately up-regulate the expression of Beclin-1, enhance autophagy and reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Divulgación de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial en América Latina: Evidencias en el uso de la Directriz GRI / Disclosure of Corporate Social Responsibility in Latin America: Evidence in the use of the GRI Guideline Abstract / Divulgação da Responsabilidade Social Corporativa na América Latina: Evidências no uso da Diretriz GRI

Resumen Introducción. Las organizaciones de América Latina, han aumentado notablemente la divulgación de información sobre Responsabilidad Social Empresarial (RSE). Objetivo. Responder a la pregunta: ¿Cuál ha sido la evolución en la divulgación de la RSE en América Latina? Materiales y métodos. La divulgación voluntaria de memorias bajo las directrices de la Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) durante el período 2006-2015, es el marco a través del cual se presenta una visión sobre el avance alcanzado en la divulgación de información sobre RSE en América Latina. El análisis de los datos se realiza mediante una metodología descriptiva, las tendencias se identifican en el informe, se compara la propiedad, el tamaño y los sectores productivos. Resultados. Durante el período de estudio, se presenta un crecimiento promedio en la divulgación de memorias del 35 % anual y se percibe una concentración en los sectores financiero, energético y alimentario. Conclusiones. El incremento mostrado en la divulgación de memorias de sostenibilidad, confirma que las organizaciones responden a la incorporación de la RSE como parte de las políticas de gestión, las grandes empresas y los tres sectores señalados participan en mayor número. Pese a ello, la adopción del estándar GRI como modelo de reporte es heterogénea entre los diferentes países, lo cual sugiere la existencia de diferencias en el desarrollo de la responsabilidad social de las organizaciones.

Abstract Introduction. Organizations in Latin America have notably increased the dissemination of information on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Objectives. Answer the question: What has been the evolution in the dissemination of CSR in Latin America? Materials and methods. The voluntary disclosure of reports under the guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) during the period 2006-2015, is the framework through which a vision is presented on the progress achieved in the disclosure of information on CSR in Latin America. Data analysis is carried out using a descriptive methodology, trends are identified in the report, ownership, size and productive sectors are compared. Results. During the study period, there is an average growth in the disclosure of reports of 35% per year and a concentration is perceived in the financial, energy and food sectors. Conclusion. The increase shown in the dissemination of sustainability reports confirms that organizations respond to the incorporation of CSR as part of management policies, large companies and the three sectors mentioned participate in greater numbers. Despite this, the adoption of the GRI standard as a reporting model is heterogeneous among the different countries, which suggests the existence of differences in the development of the social responsibility of organizations.

Resumo Introdução. As organizações da América Latina aumentaram notavelmente a divulgação de informações sobre Responsabilidade Social Corporativa (RSC). Objetivos. Responda a pergunta: ¿Qual tem sido a evolução da disseminação da RSE na América Latina? Materiais e métodos. A divulgação voluntária de relatórios, segundo as diretrizes da Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), durante o período 2006-2015, é o arcabouço por meio do qual se apresenta uma visão sobre os avanços alcançados na divulgação de informações sobre RSE na América Latina. A análise dos dados é realizada por meio de uma metodologia descritiva, as tendências são identificadas no relatório, a propriedade, o porte e os setores produtivos são comparados. Resultados. No período do estudo, verifica-se um crescimento médio na divulgação de relatórios de 35% ao ano e percebe-se uma concentração nos setores financeiro, de energia e de alimentação. Conclusões. O aumento verificado na divulgação de relatórios de sustentabilidade confirma que as organizações respondem à incorporação da RSE como parte das políticas de gestão, as grandes empresas e os três setores mencionados participam em maior número. Apesar disso, a adoção do padrão GRI como modelo de relato é heterogênea entre os diferentes países, o que sugere a existência de diferenças no desenvolvimento da responsabilidade social das organizações.

Challenges of the Colombian agricultural sector after the signature of the commercial promotion agreement between the United States and Colombia / Desafíos del sector agropecuario colombiano tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre estados unidos y colombia

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente artículo es determinar cómo se vieron afectadas las condiciones laborales del sector agropecuario colombiano, dentro del marco de efectos sociales, tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre Colombia y Estados Unidos. Para esto, se realizó una adaptación macroeconómica de los indicadores GRI versión G4 en la categoría desempeño social. Esta adaptación permitió analizar la información sectorial y aplicarlos en la población laboral del sector agropecuario colombiano. La metodología utilizada fue cualitativa con énfasis en un método de lista de comprobación y análisis de indicadores, y se encontraron dos resultados importantes. En primer lugar, que el acuerdo comercial entre ambos países es superficial al momento de salvaguardar las condiciones laborales del sector, sin profundizar en aspectos específicos que reglamenten el contexto laboral. En segundo lugar, se evidenció que a pesar de los aumentos significativos en las tasas de contrataciones, las afiliaciones a entidades prestadoras de salud o administradoras de riesgos profesionales de empleados, la mayor parte del sector agropecuario colombiano opera bajo la informalidad. Finalmente, se puede afirmar que las condiciones laborales del sector agropecuario colombiano, dentro del marco de efectos sociales, tras la firma del acuerdo de promoción comercial entre Colombia y Estados Unidos no se vieron afectadas de manera positiva. La informalidad y la falta de regulación sigue siendo un factor común en el sector.

ABSTRACT The objective of this article is to determine how the labor conditions of the Colombian agricultural sector were affected, within the framework of social effects, after the signing of the Trade Promotion Agreement between Colombia and the United States. For this, a macroeconomic adaptation of GRI indicators version G4 in the social performance category was made. This adaptation made it possible to analyze sectoral information and apply it to the labor population of the Colombian agricultural sector. The methodology used was qualitative with emphasis on a checklist method and analysis of indicators, and two important results were found. First, that the trade agreement between both countries is superficial at the moment of safeguarding the labor conditions of the sector, without going into specific aspects that regulate the labor context. Secondly, it was evident that despite the significant increases in contracting rates, affiliations with health providers or managers of occupational risks for employees, most of the Colombian agricultural sector operates under informality. Finally, it can be affirmed that the labor conditions of the Colombian agricultural sector, within the framework of social effects, after the signing of the Trade Promotion Agreement between Colombia and the United States were not affected in a positive manner. Informality and lack of regulation continues to be a common factor in the sector.

Assessment and Utilization of a Pharmacist-Assisted Drug and Poison Information Centre in Pakistan

Objective: To evaluate the utilization of the pharmacist-operated Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC) services in Pakistan. Methods: All queries from 2015-2017 were retrieved from PharmAssist DPIC database and were retrospectively analyzed. The variables obtained for analysis were call types (drug or poison), type of callers, type of drug queries, and type of poison queries. Results: A total of 2209 queries were analyzed. The highest queries in the year 2015, 2016 and 2017 came from general public as 44.0%, 56.3%, and 80.6%, followed by consultants as 11.4%, 7.3%, 4.4%, general physicians as 7.20%, 3.40%, and 3.85%. Students and interns show least usage with students 2.20%, 2.30%, 0.29% and interns 0.27%, 0.23%, 0.09% in the year 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively. The most frequent queries received at PharmAssist DPIC were related to miscellaneous queries (14.7%), indications (13.6%), strength (13.4%) and drug availability (12.1%). The majority of poison calls were for ingestion (80.3%), followed by animal bite (6.6%), dermal contact (5.5%), injection (2.2%) and inhalation (2.2%). Conclusion: It was concluded that as the awareness of our service enhanced, the utilization also increased. In order to have enhanced usage of the service, more frequent awareness activities need to be performed to have improved patient care.

Reconsideration and definition on the concept “Public Private Partnership” in the field of international health / 国際保健医療

Objectives  Recently, a Public Private Partnership (PPP) has drawn attention as an efficient strategy to response toward increasing different needs for health in low-income and middle-income countries under tremendously growing private sectors and restricted public finance. Neveretheless, in the society of international health development, there is no commonly acceptable definition of PPP. To make the targets and purpose of the PPP clear, the study attempted to define the PPP, reconsidering the relationship among five concepts, which have been recently used to solve social issues, such as BOP business, social business, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and Creating Shared Values (CSV) as well as PPP.Methods  We conducted scrutiny of definitions of PPP in other literatures using bibliographic retrieval and associated PPP with the other four concepts in order to attempt to define PPP.Results and conclusion  We analysed the contents and relationship of the five concepts. Thus, the PPP can be defined as a process in which public and private sectors collaborate to aim to solve a social issue, not only to reply to societal expectation but also to achieve company growth.

Development of an automated appendix generation system (ARGUS) for clinical study reports

Data handling and tabulation are a time-consuming job when writing appendices for clinical study reports. The authors have developed an automated appendix generation system (ARGUS) conforming to the CDISC/SDTM standard using SAS (version 9.3) and R (version 3.3.1: for PK plot generation). It consists of the one main program and three subprograms. The program runs to convert a database file into an appendix document with about 100 tables and plots in MS Word format within one min after pressing the submit button under common desktop environments. We found that tasks of constructing appendices for a typical 2×2 crossover design study that have taken our team about 8 days were completed within 6 or 7 hours using the ARGUS system.

Monte Carlo derivation of filtered tungsten anode X-ray spectra for dose computation in digital mammography / Derivação Monte Carlo de espectros filtrados de raios X de ânodo de tungstênio para determinação de dose em mamografia digital

Abstract Objective: Derive filtered tungsten X-ray spectra used in digital mammography systems by means of Monte Carlo simulations. Materials and Methods: Filtered spectra for rhodium filter were obtained for tube potentials between 26 and 32 kV. The half-value layer (HVL) of simulated filtered spectra were compared with those obtained experimentally with a solid state detector Unfors model 8202031-H Xi R/F & MAM Detector Platinum and 8201023-C Xi Base unit Platinum Plus w mAs in a Hologic Selenia Dimensions system using a direct radiography mode. Results: Calculated HVL values showed good agreement as compared with those obtained experimentally. The greatest relative difference between the Monte Carlo calculated HVL values and experimental HVL values was 4%. Conclusion: The results show that the filtered tungsten anode X-ray spectra and the EGSnrc Monte Carlo code can be used for mean glandular dose determination in mammography.

Resumo Objetivo: Derivar espectros filtrados de raios X de tungstênio utilizados em sistemas de mamografia digital por meio de simulações Monte Carlo. Materiais e Métodos: Espectros filtrados por filtro de ródio foram obtidos para potenciais do tubo entre 26 e 32 kV. Os valores de camada semirredutora (CSR) dos espectros filtrados simulados foram comparados aos valores obtidos experimentalmente com um detector de estado sólido Unfors modelo 8202031-H Xi R/F & MAM Detector Platinum e unidade base 8201023-C Xi Platinum Plus w mAs em um sistema Hologic Selenia Dimensions utilizado no modo radiografia direta. Resultados: Os valores de CSR calculados mostraram boa concordância quando comparados com os valores obtidos experimentalmente. A maior diferença relativa entre os valores de CSR calculados com Monte Carlo e os valores de CSR experimentais foi 4%. Conclusão: Os resultados demonstram que os espectros filtrados de raios X de ânodo de tungstênio e o código de Monte Carlo EGSnrc podem ser utilizados para determinar a dose glandular média em mamografia.

Binge drinking: conductas sexuales de riesgo y drogas facilitadoras del asalto sexual en jóvenes españoles / Binge drinking: Risky sexual behaviors and drug facilitated sexual assault in spanish youths

El uso de drogas -alcohol incluido- como facilitadoras del asalto sexual y las conductas sexuales de riesgo son dos fenómenos relevantes desde una perspectiva sociosanitaria. El objetivo de la presente investigación es comparar las actitudes hacia estas variables en una muestra de 164 jóvenes en condiciones de intoxicación etílica frente a sobriedad. La muestra está compuesta por 82 varones y 82 mujeres. Su media de edad era 27.50 ± 63.72. Contestaron un cuestionario en el que se recogen datos sociodemográficos, información del consumo de drogas y la Escala de Conductas Sexuales; además, se emplearon varios etilómetros Digital Zaphir Deluxe para determinar la alcoholemia. Se trata de un estudio cuasiexperimental realizado sobre un diseño intraindividual. El muestreo es no probabilístico de tipo "bola de nieve". Los resultados muestran unas actitudes más positivas y una mayor intencionalidad hacia el empleo de drogas como facilitadoras del asalto sexual y hacia las conductas sexuales de riesgo de los sujetos que se encuentran bajo el efecto del alcohol en contextos recreativos, independientemente del sexo de la muestra. Se destaca, por un lado, la importancia de investigar sobre el uso de drogas como facilitadoras del asalto sexual (tema ampliamente ignorado en España) y se profundiza en cómo el consumo de drogas afecta al uso de métodos anticonceptivos, y por otro, la necesidad de incluir información en los programas preventivos sobre cómo el consumo de alcohol (y otras drogas) está relacionado con la actividad sexual.

Drug use (alcohol included) as a sexual-assault facilitator and risky sexual behavior are two important issues from a social and health perspective. This study aims to compare the attitudes towards these variables in a sample of 164 young people in conditions of intoxication vs sobriety. The sample consisted of 82 men and 82 women. Their mean age was 27.50 (SD = 3.72). Participants answered a sociodemographic questionnaire, a drug information questionnaire, and the Sexual Behaviors Scale. and moreover, Several Zaphir Deluxe Digital breathalyzers were also used to monitor alcohol level. This is a quasiexperimental study conducted using a within-subject design. Non-probabilistic snowball sampling was used. The results showed more positive attitudes and greater intentions towards the use of drugs as facilitators of sexual assault and risky sexual behaviors in those who are under the influence of alcohol in recreational contexts, regardless of the sex of the sample. These results showed, on the one hand, the importance of studies into the use of drug facilitated sexual assault -a largely ignored issue in Spain- and to determine how drug use affects the use of contraceptive methods. On the other hand, the results show the need to include information in preventive programs about the way alcohol (and other drugs) use is related to sexual activity.

CSR by Islami Bank in healthcare – stakeholders’ perception.

Background: In the Bangladesh society, a few organizations are contributing through their activities on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is a general belief that the contribution of Islami Bank Bangladeshi Limited in CSR is highest among the financial institutions. It is an observation that IBBL’s CSR contribution in the healthcare sector is very significant. Objective: This paper explores the stockholders’ perception of CSR contribution in the healthcare sector by Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited (IBBL). Method: Authors used qualitative approach in doing the research. Data were collected through a survey. Likert scale was used to explore the significance of stakeholders’ perception. Results: This paper reports the findings of a qualitative study on perceptions of CSR by IBBL in the healthcare sector of a heterogeneous group of stakeholders. The findings reveal the perception of stakeholders towards the social contribution of Islami Bank Central Hospital (IBCH), an Institution for CSR in healthcare by IBBL. The stakeholders believe that this hospital is significantly contributing to the society through its support in the healthcare sector. It is also found that the hospital is proactive in providing healthcare support to the community through its highly standard human resources, world class medical equipment, outstanding management team and superb customer care support. Conclusion: This exploratory study makes a contribution to the relatively new body of work on CSR in Bangladesh, especially in the healthcare sector by IBBL and hopefully will encourage further research on the topic. This study will also contribute to improve the governance, social, ethical, and environmental conditions of the healthcare sector.

A Retrospective study of the Cumulative Survival Rate and change of peri-implant marginal bone around implants associated with maxillary sinus augmentation / 대한치과보철학회지

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Insertion of endosseous implants in the atrophic maxilla is often complicated because of lack of supporting bone. Augmentation of the floor of the maxillary sinus with autogenous bone & bone substitute graft has been proven to be a reliable treatment modality, at least in the short term. The aim of this study is to evaluate the factors of implant survival rate associated with maxillary sinus lift with grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sinus floor was augmented with bone grafts derived from modified Caldwell-luctechnique (71 subject, 93 sinus, 180 implants), the autogenous bone or autogenous + Bio-oss. Before implant installation the width and height of the alveolar crest were increased in the first stage procedure in 10 patients while in the other 61 patients augmentation and implant installation could be performed simultaneously width and height of the alveolar crest > 4 mm) or delayed installation. RESULTS: In all case bone volume was sufficients for implant insertion. 14 of 180 inserted implants were lost during follow up and the healing period Patient received implant supported overdenture (5 patients) or fixed bridge (62 patients). CONCLUSION: Within the limit of the result of this study, we conclude that bone grafting of the floor of the maxillary sinus floor with bone for the insertion of implants might be a reliable treatment modality and the autogenous bone graft and delayed installation method might be the factors for good results.

Preferential Expression of IgA Isotype Switching-associated Transcripts in Mouse Intestinal Lymphoid Tissues

BACKGROUND: Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1) directs class switch recombination (CSR) to IgA isotype, which is a predominant antibody in mucosal surfaces. Although IgA is preferentially committed in mucosal lymphoid tissues, it is not definitely established whether hallmarks of IgA CSR such as IgA germ-line transcripts (GLTalpha), post-switch transcripts (PSTalpha) and circle transcripts (CTalpha) are readily expressed in such tissues. Therefore, we compared the expression of these transcripts among mouse Peyer's patches (PP), mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), and spleen. METHODS: Levels of GLTs, PSTs and CTs were measured by RT-PCR in isolated PPs, MLNs and spleen cells. RESULTS: GLTalpha and PSTalpha were well expressed in PP and MLN cells but in spleen cells. Similar patterns were observed in the expression of GLgamma2b and PSTgamma2b. On the other hand, these transcripts were only inducible in spleen cells upon stimulated with LPS and TGF-beta1. In addition, CTalpha and CTgamma2b were detected in PP cells. CONCLUSION: PP B cells readily express IgA GLT, PST, and CT. Overall expression patterns of these transcripts were similar in MLN cells. Thus, these results suggest that microenvironment of PP and MLN influences spontaneous IgA CSR, which lacks in systemic lymphoid tissues such as spleen.

Comparison of class switch recombination assays for immunoglobulin synthesis

The second step of immunoglobulin gene alteration consists of somatic hypermutation and class switch recombination. 80th are regulated by activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Methods: Study on possible application of class switch recombination assays for immunoglobulin gene alteration via AID. Cell based assays using AID B lymphocyte and NIH3T3 cell carrying switch substrate; gene transfer using retrovirus system; FACS analysis; PCR and ELISA. Results: DNA sequencing for S region and gamma1CT are the most sensitive and accurate assays. However, gamma1CT assay seemed to be more reliable and applicable. Others are accurate assays but less applicable. Conclusion: gamma1CT determination is the best class switch recombination assay for immunoglobulin gene alteration via AID.

Changes of ESR, CSR and CRP after Posterior Decompression and Posterolateral Fusion of the Lumbar Stenosis / 대한척추외과학회지

PURPOSE: To help in the early diagnosis of postoperative infections in lumbar stenosis, attempts were made to evaluate a large number of patients having levels of ESR, CSR and CRP at fixed intervals, following an uncomplicated instrumented posterolateral fusion with wide decompression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 101 lumbar stenosis patients were included in this study. The levels of ESR, CSR and CRP were checked on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, 10th and 14th postoperative days. These data were plotted in relation to time in order to follow their changes. The relationships between these and the perioperative factors (operation time, fusion levels, estimated bleeding amount and transfusion amount) were evaluated statistically. RESULTS: The ESR and CSR had peak levels by the 3rd postoperative day, which then became highly variable until 14 days. The CRP level was highest on the 2nd postoperative day, which decreased rapidly, was and reached nearly normalized levels by 14th day. The ESR and CSR values on the 7th postoperative day showed a tendency to correlate with the perioperative factors, but the CRP value showed no significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed the effectiveness of CRP, and ineffectiveness of ESR and CSR, in the early detection of deep infections following surgery for wide lumbar stenosis.

The Clinical Results of Hemodilution Therapy for Retinal Vein Obstructive Disease

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of isovolemic hemodilution for central retinal vein occlusion and branch retinal vein occlusion patients. METHODS: We have done phlebotomy and then infused same volume of hydroxyethyl starch to 6 CRVO and 5 BRVO patients, and control group(5 CRVO, 9 BRVO) was observed. We have checked hematocrit the next day. If the hematocrit was reached to final target, we stopped the hemodilution therapy. Anterior segment examination, visual acuity, fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, laboratory test was done. and compare the preoperative value to postoperative result. RESULTS: The final visual acuity improved in 10 eyes undergoing isovolemic hemodilution and control group 12 eyes. In fluorescein angiography, Arm to retina time is about 19.03+/-10.86%, venous filling time is 14.80+/-8.57%. The average reduction of hemoglobin is 22.12+/-4.33%, hematocrit is 22.74+/-4.71%. In laboratroy test, platelet, triglyceride, phospholipid, CSR, HDL is reduced. CONCLUSIONS: The retinal blood flow was improved by hemodilution in CRVO and BRVO patients. But further investigation and long-term follow up result was needed in this study.