bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of IL4Rsingle-nucleotide polymorphisms with rheumatoid nodules in African Americans with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Burgos Paula I , Causey Zenoria L , Tamhane Ashutosh , Kelley James M , Brown Elizabeth E , Hughes Laura B , Danila Maria I , van Everdingen Amalia , Conn Doyt L , Jonas Beth L , Callahan Leigh F , Smith Edwin A , Brasington Richard D , Moreland Larry W , van der Heijde Désirée M , Alarcón Graciela S , Bridges S Louis
Published: May 2010

Introduction

To determine whether IL4R single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1805010 (I50V) and rs1801275 (Q551R), which have been associated with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients of European ancestry, relate to the presence of rheumatoid nodules and radiographic erosions in African Americans.

Methods

Two IL4R SNPs, rs1805010 and rs1801275, were genotyped in 749 patients from the Consortium for Longitudinal Evaluation of African-Americans with Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (CLEAR) registries. End points were rheumatoid nodules defined as present either by physical examination or by chest radiography and radiographic erosions (radiographs of hands/wrists and feet were scored using the modified Sharp/van der Heijde system). Statistical analyses were performed by using logistic regression modeling adjusted for confounding factors.

Results

Of the 749 patients with RA, 156 (20.8%) had rheumatoid nodules, with a mean age of 47.0 years, 84.6% female gender, and median disease duration of 1.9 years. Of the 461 patients with available radiographic data, 185 (40.1%) had erosions (score >0); their mean age was 46.7 years; 83.3% were women; and median disease duration was 1.5 years. Patients positive for HLA-DRB1 shared epitope (SE) and autoantibodies (rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP)) had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid nodules in the presence of the AA and AG alleles of rs1801275 (odds ratio (OR)adj = 8.08 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.60-40.89), P = 0.01 and ORadj = 2.97 (95% CI, 1.08 to 8.17), P = 0.04, respectively). Likewise, patients positive for the HLA-DRB1 SE and RF alone had a higher risk of developing rheumatoid nodules in presence of the AA and AG alleles of rs1801275 (ORadj = 8.45 (95% CI, 1.57 to 45.44), P = 0.01, and ORadj = 3.57 (95% CI, 1.18 to 10.76), P = 0.02, respectively) and in the presence of AA allele of rs1805010 (ORadj = 4.52 (95% CI, 1.20 to 17.03), P = 0.03). No significant association was found between IL4R and radiographic erosions or disease susceptibility, although our statistical power was limited by relatively small numbers of cases and controls.

Conclusions

We found that IL4R SNPs, rs1801275 and rs1805010, are associated with rheumatoid nodules in autoantibody-positive African-American RA patients with at least one HLA-DRB1 allele encoding the SE. These findings highlight the need for analysis of genetic factors associated with clinical RA phenotypes in different racial/ethnic populations.
The role of CD200 in immunity to B cell lymphoma
Authors: Wong Karrie K , Khatri Ismat , Shaha Suchinta , Spaner David E , Gorczynski Reginald M
Published: May 2010

CD200 expression on lymphoma/CLL cells, or in CLL serum, suppresses immunity yet is overcome by neutralizing antibody, siRNAs, or absorption of CD200 from serum.

CD200 is a transmembrane protein broadly expressed on a variety of cell types, which delivers immunoregulatory signals through binding to receptors (CD200Rs) expressed on monocytes/myeloid cells and T lymphocytes. Signals delivered through the CD200:CD200R axis have been shown to play an important role in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity, and overexpression of CD200 has been reported in a number of malignancies, including CLL, as well as on cancer stem cells. We investigated the effect of CD200 blockade in vitro on a generation of CTL responses against a poorly immunogenic CD200+ lymphoma cell line and fresh cells obtained from CLL patients using anti-CD200 mAb and CD200-specific siRNAs. Suppression of functional expression of CD200 augmented killing of the CD200+ cells, as well as production of the inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α by effector PBMCs. Killing was mediated by CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, and CD4+ T cells play an important role in CD200-mediated suppression of CTL responses. Our data suggest that CD200 blockade may represent a novel approach to clinical treatment of CLL.
Characterisation of the Copper Arsenate Mineral Strashimirite, Cu8(AsO4)4(OH)4·4H2O, by near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Frost Ray L. , Reddy B. Jagannadha , Sejkora Jiří , Čejka Jiří , Keeffe Eloise C.
Published: May 2010

Near infrared (NIR) spectra of the strashimirite minerals from two different origins have been investigated. The structure and spectral properties of a copper-bearing arsenate mineral are compared. Two prominent bands observed at 11,187 cm−1 and 8443 cm−1 (Czech) and 11327 cm−1 and 8732 cm−1 (Slovak) are assigned to 2B1g→2B2g and 2B1g→2A1g transitions of Cu2+ ion in strashimirite. Intense bands at 7247 cm−1 and 6800 cm−1 are attributed to the first overtone of the water and OH fundamentals observed in a complex spectral profile centred upon 3300 cm−1. The very broad NIR band at 5150 cm−1 is assigned to combination bands of water and OH vibrations. Bands in the 4800 cm−1 to 4000 cm−1 are assigned to (AsO4)3− combination bands.
Review: The Application of near Infrared Spectroscopy to the Measurement of Bioactive Compounds in Food Commodities
Authors: McGoverin Cushla M. , Weeranantanaphan Jittima , Downey Gerard , Manley Marena
Published: May 2010

The perceived benefit of functional foods in the prevention or mitigation of degenerative diseases has stimulated the growth of the functional food market. This perception is based on the presence in these foods of specific molecules which have a positive pharmacological effect when consumed in sufficient quantities (bioactive compounds). The increasing market and consumer desire for quality food products with positive health benefits has created a need for efficient and accurate analytical methods for the quantification of bioactive compounds in raw materials and finished products. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy is a fast, non-destructive and accurate method of analysis that has been extensively utilised for the study of foods. NIR spectroscopy has been used to quantify carotenoids, polyphenols, fatty acids and glucosinolates in a wide range of food commodities, for example, wine, dairy products, tea, fruit, vegetables, herbs, spices and cereals. Often, these quantifications are based on data from both the NIR and visible spectral regions; several bioactive compounds are also considered pigments, hence the utility of the visible spectral region. Major classes of other bioactive compounds, including pre- and probiotics, have yet to be analysed using NIR spectroscopy. The use of NIR spectroscopy for analysis of bioactive compounds is expected to match the growth of the functional food and bioactive ingredients markets.
“We're the Heroes!”: Fathers' Perspectives on Their Role In Protecting Their Preteenage Children from Sexual Risk
Authors: Wilson Ellen K. , Dalberth Barbara T. , Koo Helen P.
Published: May 2010

CONTEXT: Parents can be an important influence on their children's sexual behavior. However, relatively little research has focused on fathers’ roles in protecting children from sexual risk or on their discussions with children about sex.

METHODS: Sixteen focus groups comprising 131 parents of children aged 10–12 were conducted in three U.S. cities in 2007. Separate groups were held for mothers and fathers, and for white, black, English‐speaking Hispanic and Spanish‐speaking Hispanic participants. Content analysis was used to identify core themes and patterns related to fathers’ communications with their children about sex.

RESULTS: Fathers were highly invested in ensuring that their children are safe and successful in life. Although some had not talked to their children about sex, others had discussed it frequently and openly, and nearly all agreed that fathers’ perspectives are important for children to hear. Fathers reported being better suited to discussing some topics (e.g., male puberty, how young men think) than others (menstruation). Fathers also described other strategies that they use to guide their children's development, such as emphasizing future goals and monitoring children's activities and friends. Many fathers, especially Hispanic participants, reported being more protective of daughters than of sons, and some had particular difficulty talking with their daughters about sex.

CONCLUSIONS: Research and interventions concerning parent‐child communication about sex should not neglect the role of fathers. However, some fathers may need support to overcome barriers to effective communication, especially with their daughters.
Coding of Task Reward Value in the Dorsal Raphe Nucleus
Authors: Bromberg-Martin Ethan S. , Hikosaka Okihide , Nakamura Kae
Published: May 2010

The dorsal raphe nucleus and its serotonin-releasing neurons are thought to regulate motivation and reward-seeking. These neurons are known to be active during motivated behavior, but the underlying principles that govern their activity are unknown. Here we show that a group of dorsal raphe neurons encode behavioral tasks in a systematic manner, tracking progress toward upcoming rewards. We analyzed dorsal raphe neuron activity recorded while animals performed two reward-oriented saccade tasks. There was a strong correlation between the tonic activity level of a neuron during behavioral tasks and its encoding of reward-related cues and outcomes. Neurons that were tonically excited during the task predominantly carried positive reward signals. Neurons that were tonically inhibited during the task predominantly carried negative reward signals. Neurons that did not change their tonic activity levels during the task had weak reward signals with no tendency for a positive or negative direction. This form of correlated task and reward coding accounted for the majority of systematic variation in dorsal raphe response patterns in our tasks. A smaller component of neural activity reflected detection of reward delivery. Our data suggest that the dorsal raphe nucleus encodes participation in a behavioral task in terms of its future motivational outcomes.
The Central and Basolateral Amygdala Are Critical Sites of Neuropeptide Y/Y2 Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Tasan Ramon O. , Nguyen Ngoc Khoi , Weger Stefan , Sartori Simone B. , Singewald Nicolas , Heilbronn Regine , Herzog Herbert , Sperk Günther
Published: May 2010

Anxiety is integrated in the amygdaloid nuclei and involves the interplay of the amygdala and various other areas of the brain. Neuropeptides play a critical role in regulating this process. Neuropeptide Y (NPY), a 36 aa peptide, is highly expressed in the amygdala. It exerts potent anxiolytic effects through cognate postsynaptic Y1 receptors, but augments anxiety through presynaptic Y2 receptors. To identify the precise anatomical site(s) of Y2-mediated anxiogenic action, we investigated the effect of site-specific deletion of the Y2 gene in amygdaloid nuclei on anxiety and depression-related behaviors in mice. Ablating the Y2 gene in the basolateral and central amygdala resulted in an anxiolytic phenotype, whereas deletion in the medial amygdala or in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis had no obvious effect on emotion-related behavior. Deleting the Y2 receptor gene in the central amygdala, but not in any other amygdaloid nucleus, resulted in an added antidepressant-like effect. It was associated with a reduction of presumably presynaptic Y2 receptors in the stria terminalis/bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, the nucleus accumbens, and the locus ceruleus. Our results are evidence of the highly site-specific nature of the Y2-mediated function of NPY in the modulation of anxiety- and depression-related behavior. The activity of NPY is likely mediated by the presynaptic inhibition of GABA and/or NPY release from interneurons and/or efferent projection neurons of the basolateral and central amygdala.
Long-Term Memory Leads to Synaptic Reorganization in the Mushroom Bodies: A Memory Trace in the Insect Brain?
Authors: Hourcade Benoît , Muenz Thomas S. , Sandoz Jean-Christophe , Rössler Wolfgang , Devaud Jean-Marc
Published: May 2010

The insect mushroom bodies (MBs) are paired brain centers which, like the mammalian hippocampus, have a prominent function in learning and memory. Despite convergent evidence for their crucial role in the formation and storage of associative memories, little is known about the mechanisms underlying such storage. In mammals and other species, the consolidation of stable memories is accompanied by structural plasticity involving variations in synapse number and/or size. Here, we address the question of whether the formation of olfactory long-term memory (LTM) could be associated with changes in the synaptic architecture of the MB networks. For this, we took advantage of the modular architecture of the honeybee MB neuropil, where synaptic contacts between olfactory input and MB neurons are segregated into discrete units (microglomeruli) which can be easily visualized and counted. We show that the density in microglomeruli increases as a specific olfactory LTM is formed, while the volume of the neuropil remains constant. Such variation is reproducible and is clearly correlated with memory consolidation, as it requires gene transcription. Thus stable structural synaptic rearrangements, including the growth of new synapses, seem to be a common property of insect and mammalian brain networks involved in the storage of stable memory traces.
Neural Basis of Individual Differences in Synesthetic Experiences
Authors: Rouw Romke , Scholte H. Steven
Published: May 2010

Little is known about how the properties of our private mental world relate to the physical and functional properties of our brain. Studying synesthesia, where a particular experience evokes a separate additional sensory experience, offers the unique opportunity to study phenomenological experiences as a stable trait in healthy subjects. A common form of synesthesia is grapheme–color synesthesia, where a particular letter or number evokes a particular color experience. We studied the neural basis of qualitative different properties of the synesthetic experience by using individual differences in grapheme–color synesthesia. Specifically, the synesthetic color can be experienced “in the mind” (associator synesthetes) or “in the outside world” (projector synesthetes). Gray matter structure and functioning (imaged using voxel-based morphometry and functional magnetic resonance imaging, respectively) were examined in grapheme–color synesthetes (N= 42, 16 projectors and 26 associators) and nonsynesthetes. Results indicated partly shared mechanisms for all grapheme–color synesthetes, particularly in posterior superior parietal lobe, which is involved in the integration of sensory information. In addition, the nature of synesthetic experience was found to be mediated by distinct neural mechanisms. The outside-world experience is related to brain areas involved in perceiving and acting in the outside world (visual cortex, auditory cortex, motor cortex) as well as frontal brain areas. In contrast, the in-the-mind experience is related to the hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus, known for their role in memory. Thus, the different subjective experiences are related to distinct neural mechanisms. Moreover, the properties of subjective experiences are in accordance with functional properties of the mediating brain mechanisms.
Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Modulates Photic Entrainment of the Suprachiasmatic Circadian Clock
Authors: Cao Ruifeng , Li Aiqing , Cho Hee-yeon , Lee Boyoung , Obrietan Karl
Published: May 2010

Inducible gene expression appears to be an essential event that couples light to entrainment of the master mammalian circadian clock located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus. Recently, we reported that light triggers phase-dependent activation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, a major regulator of protein synthesis, in the SCN, thus raising the possibility that mTOR-evoked mRNA translation contributes to clock entrainment. Here, we used a combination of cellular, molecular, and behavioral assays to address this question. To this end, we show that thein vivoinfusion of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin led to a significant attenuation of the phase-delaying effect of early-night light. Conversely, disruption of mTOR during the late night augmented the phase-advancing effect of light. To assess the role of mTOR signaling within the context of molecular entrainment, the effects of rapamycin on light-induced expression of PERIOD1 and PERIOD2 were examined. At both the early- and late-night time points, abrogation of mTOR signaling led to a significant attenuation of light-evoked PERIOD protein expression. Our results also reveal that light-induced mTOR activation leads to the translation of mRNAs with a 5′-terminal oligopyrimidine tract such as eukaryotic elongation factor 1A and the immediate early gene JunB. Together, these data indicate that the mTOR pathway functions as potent and selective regulator of light-evoked protein translation and SCN clock entrainment.
Disruption of TrkB-Mediated Phospholipase Cγ Signaling Inhibits Limbic Epileptogenesis
Authors: He Xiao Ping , Pan Enhui , Sciarretta Carla , Minichiello Liliana , McNamara James O.
Published: May 2010

The BDNF receptor, TrkB, is critical to limbic epileptogenesis, but the responsible downstream signaling pathways are unknown. We hypothesized that TrkB-dependent activation of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) signaling is the key pathway and tested this intrkBPLC/PLCmice carrying a mutation (Y816F) that uncouples TrkB from PLCγ1. Biochemical measures revealed activation of both TrkB and PLCγ1 in hippocampi in the pilocarpine and kindling models in wild-type mice. PLCγ1 activation was decreased in hippocampi isolated fromtrkBPLC/PLCcompared with control mice. Epileptogenesis assessed by development of kindling was inhibited intrkBPLC/PLCcompared with control mice. Long-term potentiation of the mossy fiber-CA3 pyramid synapse was impaired in slices oftrkBPLC/PLCmice. We conclude that TrkB-dependent activation of PLCγ1 signaling is an important molecular mechanism of limbic epileptogenesis. Elucidating signaling pathways activated by a cell membrane receptor in animal models of CNS disorders promises to reveal novel targets for specific and effective therapeutic intervention.
A Distributed Cortical Representation Underlies Crossmodal Object Recognition in Rats
Authors: Winters Boyer D. , Reid James M.
Published: May 2010

The mechanisms by which the brain integrates the unimodal sensory features of an object into a comprehensive multimodal object representation are poorly understood. We have recently developed a procedure for assessing crossmodal object recognition (CMOR) and object feature binding in rats using a modification of the spontaneous object recognition (SOR) paradigm. Here we show for the first time that rats are capable of spontaneous crossmodal object recognition when they are asked to recognize a visually presented object having previously only explored the tactile features of that object. Moreover, rats with bilateral perirhinal cortex (PRh) lesions were impaired on the CMOR task and a visual-only, but not a tactile-only, version of SOR. Conversely, rats with bilateral posterior parietal cortex (PPC) lesions were impaired on the CMOR and tactile-only tasks but not the visual-only task. Finally, crossmodal object recognition ability was severely and selectively impaired in rats with unilateral lesions made to PRh and PPC in opposite hemispheres. Thus, spontaneous tactile-to-visual crossmodal object recognition in rats relies on an object representation that requires functional interaction between PRh and PPC, which appear to mediate the visual and tactile information-processing demands of the task, respectively. These results imply that, at least under certain conditions, the separate sensory features of an object are represented in a distributed manner in the cortex. The novel paradigm introduced here should be a valuable tool for further study of the neurobiological bases of crossmodal cognition and object feature binding.
Functional Identification of a Pulvinar Path from Superior Colliculus to Cortical Area MT
Authors: Berman Rebecca A. , Wurtz Robert H.
Published: May 2010

The idea of a second visual pathway, in which visual signals travel from brainstem to cortex via the pulvinar thalamus, has had considerable influence as an alternative to the primary geniculo-striate pathway. Existence of this second pathway in primates, however, is not well established. A major question centers on whether the pulvinar acts as a relay, particularly in the path from the superior colliculus (SC) to the motion area in middle temporal cortex (MT). We used physiological microstimulation to identify pulvinar neurons belonging to the path from SC to MT in the macaque. We made three salient observations. First, we identified many neurons in the visual pulvinar that received input from SC or projected to MT, as well as a largely separate set of neurons that received input from MT. Second, and more importantly, we identified a subset of neurons as relay neurons that both received SC input and projected to MT. The identification of these relay neurons demonstrates a continuous functional path from SC to MT through the pulvinar in primates. Third, we histologically localized a subset of SC–MT relay neurons to the subdivision of inferior pulvinar known to project densely to MT but also localized SC–MT relay neurons to an adjacent subdivision. This pattern indicates that the pulvinar pathway is not limited to a single anatomically defined region. These findings bring new perspective to the functional organization of the pulvinar and its role in conveying signals to the cerebral cortex.
Severe hyponatremia and comatose state during colonoscopy preparation
Authors: Haris Ágnes , Demeter Pál , Tóth Ignác , Polner Kálmán
Published: May 2010

A szerzők egy 83 éves nőbeteg esetét ismertetik, akinél kolonoszkópiás előkészítés során, de a nátrium-foszfát ozmotikus hashajtó bevételét megelőzően, hirtelen eszméletvesztés és epileptiform görcsök jelentkeztek. A laboratóriumi vizsgálat súlyos hyponatraemiát igazolt. Hypertoniás sóinfúzió hatására az elektrolitzavar rendeződött, az eszméletzavar lassan oldódott, és a beteg mentális állapota fokozatosan javulni kezdett. A hyponatraemia hátterében az előkészítéstől és a vizsgálattól való félelem, stressz indukálta ADH-szekréció és a beteg által „félreértett”, túlzott folyadékbevitel állt. Az esetismertetés célja, hogy felhívja a figyelmet a kolonoszkópiás vizsgálati előkészítés veszélyére, ami az orvos utasítását „túlzottan” betartó beteget fenyegeti, továbbá, hogy bemutassa az akut hyponatraemia ellátását.
Identification of methylation related genes from Lacer Capture Microdissected colon samples during investigation of adenoma–carcinoma sequence
Authors: Spisák Sándor , Kalmár Alexandra , Galamb Orsolya , Sipos Ferenc , Wichmann Barnabás , Molnár Béla , Tulassay Zsolt
Published: May 2010

A DNS metilációs mintázatának megváltozása a tumorok kialakulása során bizonyítottan fontos folyamat. Ez azonban a tumorok különböző mikrokörnyezetében különböző módon játszódik le, amelynek teljes genomszinten történő tanulmányozására még nincs hatékony, nagy áteresztőképességű módszerünk.Célkitűzés:Munkánk célja az, hogy azonosítsuk a vastagbéldaganatok kialakulásában és progressziójában szerepet játszó, DNS-metiláció által szabályozott géneket, génexpressziós vizsgálati módszerek felhasználásával. Ennek alapján olyan génexpresszión alapuló módszert mutatunk be, amely lézerrel kimetszett minták és metilációs sejtkultúra modell együttes felhasználásával lehetővé teszi a vastagbéldaganatokban zajló metilációs események genomszintű tanulmányozását.Anyag és módszer:HT-29 colorectalis adenocarcinoma-sejteket kezeltünk 10 μM 5-aza-2’-dezoxicitidin demetilációs ágenssel, majd meghatároztuk a kezelés hatására növekvő aktivitást mutató géneket. Ezzel párhuzamosan lézeres mikrokimetszéssel elkülönített ép, adenoma- és tumorszöveti mintákból 5000 hámsejtet gyűjtöttünk, majd azonosítottuk az adenoma–carcinoma szekvencia előrehaladtával szekvenciálisan csökkenő expressziót mutató géneket. A két géncsoport összehasonlításával meghatároztuk a feltehetően metilációs szabályozás alatt álló transzkriptumokat. Ezt követően független minták bevonásával RT-PCR megerősítést végeztünk.Következtetések:Az azonosított, adenoma–carcinoma szekvencia előrehaladtával csökkenő működésű gének szabályozása metilációs eseményekkel hozható összefüggésbe. Ennek alapján teljes genomszinten kimutathatók azok a géncsoportok – köztük például tumorszuppresszorok –, amelyek a betegség kialakulása és kórjóslata szempontjából kulcsfontosságúak. A módszerrel azonosított, vastagbéldaganatokra jellemző metilációs mintázatot mutató gének a jövőben kezelési célpontok lehetnek.
Brain hypoperfusion in adolescents dependent of multiple drugs
Authors: Etchebehere Elba Cristina Sá de Camargo , Oliveira Felipe Martins , Amorim Bárbara Juarez , Serrat Saulo Monte , Camargo Edwaldo Eduardo
Published: May 2010

Brain SPECT imaging (BSI) with statistical parametric mapping (SPM) offers a clear and accurate vision of perfusion changes. OBJECTIVE: To study brain perfusion abnormalities in adolescents' dependent of multiple drugs. METHOD: Sixteen male patients (15.1±2.1 years) were submitted to 99mTc-HMPAO BSI with SPM. RESULTS: Cortical hypoperfusion occurred in 7/16 patients (44%). There was a significant inverse correlation between the number of hypoperfused regions and the patient's age (p= -0.6737; p=0.004) and with the age when the drug dependence began (p= -0.5616; p=0.023). There was also a tendency towards an inverse correlation between regions of hypoperfusion and the duration of the drug dependence. CONCLUSION: BSI with SPM can help detect hypoperfusion in adolescents dependent on multiple drugs. The younger the patients, the more regions of hypoperfusion are noted. Probably, the neuronal plasticity has an important role in this phenomenon because the highest neural activity occurs in childhood.
Study of association between genetic polymorphisms of phospholipase A2 enzymes and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cordeiro Quirino , Noguti Ricardo , Bottino Cássio M.C. , Vallada Homero
Published: May 2010

Several genes have been related to late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD). Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) influence the processing and secretion of the amyloid precursor protein, which gives rise to the beta-amyloid peptide, the major component of the amyloid plaque in AD. Hence, in the present study, polymorphisms of three genes encoding PLA2 enzymes group (cytosolic PLA2: BanI cPLA2 polymorphism; calcium-independent PLA2: AvrII iPLA2 polymorphism; PAFAH: Val279Phe PAFAH polymorphism) were analysed in a case-control sample using 58 patients with LOAD and 107 matched healthy controls. There was a genotypic association between the BanI cPLA2 polymorphism and LOAD (χ2=6.25, 2df, p=0.04), however there was no allelic association. There were no associations between AvrII iPLA2 and Val279Phe PAFAH polymorphisms and LOAD. These data suggest that the BanI cPLA2 polymorphism may play a role in the susceptibility for LOAD in our Brazilian sample.
Working memory impairment in multiple sclerosis relapsing-remitting patients with episodic memory deficits
Authors: Fuso Simone Freitas , Callegaro Dagoberto , Pompéia Sabine , Bueno Orlando F.A.
Published: May 2010

Episodic memory is impaired in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, possibly because of deficits in working memory (WM) functioning. If so, WM alterations should necessarily be found in patients with episodic memory deficits, but this has not yet been demonstrated. In this study we aimed at determining whether episodic memory deficits in relapsing-remitting MS are found in conjunction with impaired WM. We evaluated 32 MS patients and 32 matched healthy controls. Nineteen of the 32 patients had episodic memory impairment, and as a group only these individuals showed deficits in WM capacity, which may lead to difficulty in encoding, and/or retrieving information from episodic memory.
Prevalence and management of headache in a selected area of Southern Santa Catarina
Authors: Corrêa Taís dos Santos , Santos Kelly Miranda dos , Galato Dayani
Published: May 2010

Headache is a worldwide health problem which affects quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To identify the prevalence and management of headache and examine its impact. METHOD: A cross-sectional study with 240 participants was performed to collect data related to (a) headache occurrence, (b) its impact through the "Migraine Disability Assessment Test" (Midas), and (c) headache management. RESULTS: Last year prevalence (2008) was 64.6%. There was a low Midas score in 80.6% of cases. With regard to headache management, 86.4% of respondents said that they use medicines, mainly analgesics (73.9%). Prescribed medicines were used in 31.0% of cases, although 72.4% of those were old prescriptions. Headache was associated with gender (p=0.0002), occupation (p=0.0109) and mean age (p=0.0083), while the Midas score was associated with pain intensity (p=0.0069) and the use of drugs only during headache crisis (p=0.0464). CONCLUSION: There was a high prevalence of headaches and a low level of disability among the population studied, being the management based on self-medication.
Executive dysfunction and motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Campos-Sousa Indira Silveira , Campos-Sousa Raimundo Nonato , Ataíde Jr Luiz , Soares Marta Maria de Brito , Almeida Kelson James
Published: May 2010

The aim of this study is to analyze executive function and motor symptoms in patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). The sample consisted of 44 subjects with PD between the ages of 45 to 75, who were examined consecutively. The subjects were divided into two groups according to the duration of the disease. The control group was composed of spouses, family and accompanying members. Patients included were submitted to motor dysfunction evaluation using the UPDRS. The executive functions modalities analyzed included: operational memory, inhibitory control, planning, cognitive flexibility and inductive reasoning. Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found in all the executive domains studied. Evidence of tremor, rigidity and bradykinesia correlation with executive dysfunction were not observed. Patients with PD, even in the initial phase of the disease, presented executive dysfunction. The cardinal motor signs of the disease were not correlated with the cognitive dysfunction found.
Effect of nutritional supplementation with milk whey proteins in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients
Authors: Silva Luciano Bruno de Carvalho , Mourão Lucia Figueiredo , Silva Ariovaldo Armando , Lima Núbia Maria Freire Vieira , Almeida Sara Regina , Franca Jr Marcondes C. , Nucci Anamarli , Amaya-Farfán Jaime
Published: May 2010

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the efficacy of oral supplementation with milk whey proteins and modified starch (70%WPI:30%MS), on nutritional and functional parameters of patients with ALS. METHOD: A prospective randomized double-blind study was performed with 16 ALS patients, divided in two groups, the treatment group received (70%WPI:30%MS) and the control group received (maltodextrin). They underwent prospective nutritional and functional assessment for 4 months. RESULTS: Patients in the treatment group presented weight gain, increased body mass index (BMI), increased arm muscle area and circumference, higher albumin, white blood cell and total lymphocyte counts, and reduced creatine-kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. In the control group, biochemical parameters did not change, but weight and BMI declined. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the agglomerate 70%WPI:30%MS may be useful in the nutritional therapy of patients with ALS.
CADASIL: pathogenesis, clinical and radiological findings and treatment
Authors: André Charles
Published: May 2010

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is the most common genetic cause of ischemic strokes and a most important model for the study of subcortical vascular dementia. This unrelentlessly progressive disease affects many hundreds of families all over the world but is not well studied in Brazil. This manuscript reviews pathogenetic, clinical, radiological and therapeutic features of CADASIL. The causal mutations are now very well known, but the same can not be said about its intimate pathogenetic mechanisms. The variable clinical presentation should lead physicians to actively pursue the diagnosis in many settings and to more thouroughly investigate family history in first degree relatives. A rational approach to genetic testing is however needed. Treatment of CADASIL is still largely empiric. High-quality therapeutic studies involving medications and cognitive interventions are strongly needed in CADASIL.
Epileptic seizures in a descendant of Dom Pedro I
Authors: Gomes Marleide da Mota , Maia Filho Heber de Souza
Published: May 2010

Intrauterine seizure is a rare event. Genetic predisposition and trauma are possible risk factors. OBJECTIVE: To review and comment on the historical description of intrauterine events of a bastard daughter of Dom Pedro I (Maria Isabel Alcântara Brasileira - 1830-1896). METHOD: Review of historical facts about the health of Dom Pedro I's daughter according to primary and secondary historical data. RESULTS: According to historical accounts, Dom Pedro I's daughter suffered trauma during the intrauterine period that provoked intrauterine seizures. At the age of eight years, she developed self-limited and benign generalized epilepsy. Like her father, she had mood problems and also learning difficulties. CONCLUSION: Dona Maria Isabel's own report does not shown sufficient evidence to support the diagnosis of post-traumatic intrauterine seizures. Nevertheless, her family history suggests a genetic basis for her epilepsy.
Adaptabilidade e estabilidade de genótipos de tomateiro sob cultivo em solos de terra firme e várzea da amazônia infestados por Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Pena Maria Albanira Araújo , Noda Hiroshi , Machado Francisco Manoares , Paiva Maria Silvesnízia da Silva
Published: May 2010

A resistência genética à bactéria Ralstonia solanacearum, o patógeno da doença "murcha bacteriana", é uma condição necessária para o cultivo do tomateiro nos solos naturalmente infestados pelo patógeno nos ambientes de terra firme e várzea da região amazônica. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a adaptabilidade e estabilidade quanto à resistência genética ao patógeno e à produtividade de progênies de gerações avançadas (F13 e F14) do cruzamento HT -16, que deu origem à variedade resistente Yoshimatsu, quando cultivadas em solos de terra firme e várzea infestados por R. solanacearum. Foram realizados ensaios em quatro ambientes, dois em terra firme e dois na várzea, em solos naturalmente infestados pelo patógeno e com oito genótipos de tomateiro: Santa Cruz Kada, utilizada como padrão de suscetibilidade ao patógeno; Caraíba, como padrão de resistência; C-38; Yoshimatsu 4-11 e mais quatro progênies F13 e F14 do cruzamento HT-16. Os caracteres utilizados para avaliação da resistência e produtividade foram: Taxa de Infecção (QR), para doenças monocíclicas, segundo PLANK (1963); Índice de Sanidade (IS), segundo NODA (1981); Produção Total de Frutos (PTF) e Número Total de Frutos (NTF). As estimativas dos parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade fenotípica, obtidas pelo método proposto por EBERHART e RUSSEL (1966), expressos em níveis de resistência genética à bactéria R. solanacearum e rendimento em frutos, revelaram que as progênies avançadas são adaptadas ao cultivo em ambientes de terra firme e várzea infestadas pelo patógeno e evidenciaram superioriodade quando comparadas com a cultivar Yoshimatsu 4-11, obtida na geração F7.
Efeito da densidade de semeadura e potencial de afilhamento sobre a adaptabilidade e estabilidade em trigo
Authors: Silveira Gustavo da , Carvalho Fernando Irajá Félix de , Oliveira Antônio Costa de , Valério Igor Pirez , Benin Giovani , Ribeiro Guilherme , Crestani Maraisa , Luche Henrique de Souza , Silva José Antonio Gonzales da
Published: May 2010

Os objetivos do trabalho foram determinar a adaptabilidade e estabilidade do rendimento de grãos de dez genótipos de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.), contrastantes para o caráter potencial de afilhamento, implantados em diferentes densidades de semeadura. Os experimentos foram realizados nas safras agrícolas de 2005, 2006 e 2007, no município de Capão do Leão (RS) e na safra de 2007 nos municípios de Pato Branco (PR) e Ijuí (RS) Utilizou-se o delineamento de parcelas divididas, com a parcela composta pelo fator cultivar, e as subparcelas pelas densidades de semeadura, com 50, 200, 350, 500 e 650 sementes aptas por metro quadrado. O estudo da adaptabilidade e estabilidade foi realizado por meio do método de Eberhart e Russell. A modificação da densidade de semeadura e o favorecimento do ambiente de cultivo afetaram intensamente os parâmetros de adaptabilidade e estabilidade do caráter rendimento de grãos. Foram constatados genótipos adaptados a todas as densidades de semeadura (FUNDACEP 29 - exceto para 650 sementes m-2), ou com adaptabilidade especifica e comportamento previsível apenas em ambientes favoráveis (CD 114) e ambientes desfavoráveis (CD 108), indicando a necessidade de um ajuste adequado da densidade de semeadura para a resposta e previsibilidade de comportamento quanto ao rendimento de grãos em trigo.
Produtividade de fitomassa e relação C/N de monocultivos e consórcios de guandu-anão, milheto e sorgo em três épocas de corte
Authors: Calvo Cássio Loureiro , Foloni José Salvador Simoneti , Brancalião Sandro Roberto
Published: May 2010

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o rendimento de fitomassa, o acúmulo de N e a relação C/N da matéria vegetal produzida em monocultivos e consórcios de guandu-anão (Cajanus cajan), sorgo (Sorghum bicolor) e milheto (Pennisetum glaucum), em três épocas de corte. O experimento foi realizado em Presidente Prudente (SP), entre março e julho de 2006. Utilizou-se o delineamento experimental em blocos aos acaso, no esquema fatorial, com os seguintes tratamentos: monocultivos de sorgo, guandu-anão e milheto, e consórcios de sorgo + guandu-anão, milheto + guandu-anão e milheto + sorgo, com épocas de corte aos 30, 60 e 90 dias após a semeadura. O milheto é mais expressivo quanto à rapidez de crescimento nos primeiros 60 dias após a semeadura, de tal forma que domina o guandu-anão e o sorgo em consórcio, e produz mais fitomassa nas culturas consorciadas do que em monocultivo. O corte ou manejo das culturas consorciadas de milheto + guandu-anão e sorgo + guandu-anão no ambiente de safrinha, deve ser realizado aos 60 e 90 dias após a semeadura, respectivamente. Na consorciação de sorgo + guandu-anão há maior sincronismo de crescimento entre ambas as espécies, o que favorece o equilíbrio na composição da fitomassa da cultura de cobertura. Nos consórcios de guandu-anão com as gramíneas ocorrem maiores acúmulos de N nas palhadas do que no monocultivo de guandu-anão, e menores valores de relação C/N em relação aos monocultivos de milheto e sorgo.
Interação entre Colletotrichum gloeosporioides e ecótipos de pinha
Authors: López Ana Maria Queijeiro , Pereira Danielle dos Santos Tavares
Published: May 2010

A produção brasileira de pinha (Annona squamosa L.) predomina no Nordeste, sendo afetada pela antracnose causada por Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Este estudo avaliou: 1) as taxas de crescimento micelial e conidiação, dimensões de conídios e produção de amilase, xilanase, pectinases e protease por isolado desse fungo de lesões de abacate (Persea americana Mill), em diferentes meios; 2) as porcentagens de germinação e formação de apressórios do mesmo sobre folhas jovens de pinha; 3) as alterações in vivo nos teores de proteínas, fenóis e carboidratos solúveis totais, antes e após a inoculação. Folhas jovens de plântulas de dois ecótipos de pinha (PI e CT) foram destacadas, submetidas à inoculação e incubadas ou para sua extração (0 e 36 horas após), ou para seu clareamento (0, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 46 horas após), coloração e análise ao microscópio. Particionou-se cada extrato contra hexano, e a fração polar foi concentrada e resolubilizada para determinação dos parâmetros bioquímicos mencionados. Verificou-se maior esporulação do isolado fúngico em meio Mathur, e este produziu todas as enzimas ensaiadas in vitro. In vivo, este foi mais agressivo ao ecótipo PI, mas verificou-se ca. de 80% de germinação e 50% de formação de apressórios após 24 e 30 horas de incubação respectivamente sobre os ecótipos PI e CT. Os teores de proteínas, glicídeos redutores e fenóis totais dos extratos de CT foram mais elevados 36 horas após a inoculação, enquanto apenas uma ligeira elevação no conteúdo de fenóis foi constatada nos extratos de PI.
Efeito residual das aplicações de fontes de fósforo em gramíneas forrageiras sobre o cultivo sucessivo da soja em vasos
Authors: Ramos Sílvio Júnio , Faquin Valdemar , Rodrigues Carlos Ribeiro , Silva Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar em dois solos adubados com fertilizantes fosfatados, o efeito residual das aplicações de fontes de P em gramíneas forrageiras sobre o cultivo sucessivo da soja em vasos. Para tal, foram realizados dois experimentos, um em Cambissolo e outro em Latossolo, utilizando-se vasos com 4 dm³ de solo. Para cada solo, o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, sendo cinco tratamentos de cobertura dos solos, representadas pelo cultivo prévio de quatro gramíneas forrageiras como plantas de cobertura (braquiarão, braquiária, milheto e sorgo forrageiro) mais o solo sem cultivo prévio de gramíneas e duas fontes de P (Superfosfato triplo - SFT e Fosfato reativo de arad - FRA), com quatro repetições. As gramíneas forrageiras foram colhidas na fase de pré-florescimento, sendo em seguida cultivada a soja como cultura de sucessão sobre as raízes e palhada. No Cambissolo, quando adubado com a fonte de P de menor solubilidade (FRA), o cultivo prévio das forrageiras proporcionou, na soja cultivada em sucessão, maiores crescimento, produção, acúmulo de P e aproveitamento do efeito residual do P aplicado. Para o Latossolo, esse efeito não foi observado. Em ambos os solos, sem o cultivo prévio de gramíneas forrageiras, o SFT foi superior que o FRA para todas as variáveis avaliadas. Dentre as gramíneas estudadas, não se observou efeito definido do seu cultivo prévio sobre as variáveis avaliadas na soja cultivada em sucessão.
Produtividade, eficiência agronômica, características nutricionais e tecnológicas do feijão adubado com nitrogênio em plantio direto e convencional
Authors: Farinelli Rogério , Lemos Leandro Borges
Published: May 2010

Altas produtividades do feijoeiro são obtidas sob condições tecnológicas adequadas, destacando-se o uso de sistemas de manejos de solo e a adubação nitrogenada, porém, há pouco conhecimento sobre tais técnicas culturais interferindo nas características nutricionais e tecnológicas de grãos. Desse modo, o trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a interferência da adubação nitrogenada em cobertura (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 kg ha-1 de N) no feijoeiro, cultivar Pérola, cultivado no preparo convencional do solo e no plantio direto e suas relações com a produtividade, eficiência agronômica, características nutricionais e tecnológicas do grão. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o de blocos ao acaso em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, com quatro repetições, onde as parcelas foram constituídas pelos sistemas de manejo de solo e as subparcelas pelas doses de N em cobertura. A produtividade do feijoeiro é influenciada positivamente pela adubação nitrogenada em cobertura, com maior necessidade de fertilizante no plantio direto. A eficiência agronômica é superior no sistema de preparo convencional do solo. O aumento do teor de proteína bruta é em função das doses crescentes de N em cobertura nos sistemas de plantio direto e de preparo convencional do solo. O tempo para cozimento dos grãos é diminuido em função das doses de N empregadas no sistema de plantio direto em relação ao preparo convencional. Há aumento no tempo para a máxima hidratação dos grãos até a aplicação de 120 kg ha-1 de N no sistema de plantio direto e no preparo convencional do solo.
Eficiência agronômica de compostos organominerais obtidos pelo processo humifert
Authors: Benedito Daniela da Silva , Prochnow Luís Ignácio , Silverol Aline Carneiro , toledo Maria Cristina Motta de
Published: May 2010

A produção tradicional de fertilizantes fosfatados gera grandes volumes de rejeitos e entre estes estão materiais ricos em P, representando um bem mineral inutilizado. Para aproveitar esses rejeitos surgiu o processo Humifert, que tem como objetivo o tratamento ácido da mistura de minérios fosfáticos (elevado ou baixo teor de P) com material orgânico, incrementando a solubilidade do P contido no composto fertilizante, visando aumentar a eficiência agronômica (EA). Este trabalho objetivou avançar a pesquisa sobre o processo Humifert, com a realização de testes de funcionamento do equipamento e experimentos agronômicos, visando avaliar a EA dos compostos obtidos em relação à fonte tradicional de P. Foram realizados dois experimentos agronômicos, sendo um com fosfato monocálcico (FMC), rocha fosfática (RF) de Patos de Minas e turfa, submetidos ou não ao processo Humifert, e foi cultivado milho. O segundo experimento teve como fontes de P o FMC, fosfato reativo de Arad, rejeito de Tapira e turfa, submetidos ou não ao processo Humifert. As culturas utilizadas foram milho e braquiária (três cortes), para avaliar efeito residual das fontes. Em ambos os estudos, avaliou-se a matéria seca da parte aérea (MSPA) das plantas e os dados foram submetidos ao teste de médias. No primeiro experimento, o FMC proporcionou maior MSPA, e a mistura da rocha fosfática Pato de Minas com turfa submetida ao processo foi superior ao controle (sem aplicação de P). No segundo experimento, o FMC foi superior na primeira cultura (milho), e na média dos cultivos Arad foi equivalente ao FMC. Embora tenha havido algumas vantagens em termos de incremento de MSPA devido ao processo, a solubilidade e resultados agronômicos indicam a necessidade de mais pesquisas para adequar as reações e obter melhor qualidade das fontes de P.
Avaliação da intensidade de raleio na qualidade de frutos de nespereira
Authors: Grassi Aexandre Manzoni , Scarpare Filho João Alexio , Chagas Edvan Alves , Pio Rafael , Sanches Juliana , cia Patricia , Barbosa Wilson , Tizato Leandro Henrique Guglielmin , Chagas Pollyana Cardoso , Tomazi Emerson Fioravante
Published: May 2010

A nespereira é uma frutífera de origem subtropical, porém com ampla adaptação a regiões de clima temperado com temperaturas baixas pouco rigorosas. Possui inflorescência que origina uma quantidade de frutos superior ao que pode suportar a árvore, produzindo elevada quantidade de frutos de baixo calibre, sendo necessário o raleio de frutos para a melhoria da qualidade. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da intensidade de raleio na qualidade de frutos de nespereira. Avaliaram-se as respostas de cinco cultivares e uma seleção de nespereira a quatro intensidades de raleio de frutos (4, 6, 8 e 10 frutos por panícula). As panículas foram selecionadas em relação ao tamanho (aproximadamente 1,5 cm de diâmetro) e ensacadas utilizando-se papel jornal. Todas as panículas foram raleadas e ensacadas no mesmo dia. A colheita foi realizada quando os frutos estavam maduros, no ponto de consumo. Foram avaliados comprimento e diâmetro do fruto, massa do fruto e da semente, pH, acidez titulável e teor de sólidos solúveis. Conclui-se que a melhor qualidade de frutos pode ser obtida quando as panículas são raleadas com intensidades de 4 frutos, os quais resultam em maior comprimento, diâmetro e massa. As variáveis massa da semente, pH, acidez titulável e sólidos solúveis não foram afetadas pela intensidade de raleio.