bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein Levels in Obese Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Chu Lijuan , Yao Hongbing , Wang Bing
Published: April 2012

Objective

To evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) in obese children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and to compare changes in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels before and 6 months after T&A in obese children with OSA.

Study Design

Before and after study with planned data collection.

Setting

Tertiary care, university‐based pediatric hospital.

Subjects and Methods

Seventy‐five obese children with OSA were included. Clinical information such as the apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), nadir oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2), and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The hs‐CRP level was determined before T&A and at the 6‐month follow‐up examination.

Results

Reductions in AHI (21.96 ± 9.277 before T&A vs 8.64 ± 5.997 after 6 months of T&A) and higher levels of nadir SaO2 (74.08 ± 7.860 before T&A vs 86.87 ± 5.586 after 6 months of T&A) were observed. The hs‐CRP levels were obviously correlated with BMI (r = 0.7948, P <. 001). Other than AHI (r = 0.0579, P =. 6217) in obese children, however, hs‐CRP levels showed no changes 6 months after T&A therapy.

Conclusion

T&A treatment improves clinical signs and symptoms in obese children but does not reduce chronic inflammation as reflected by hs‐CRP. To lower the risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus morbidity, other treatments should be taken into account.
Do Clinical Psychologists Extend the Bereavement Exclusion for Major Depression to Other Stressful Life Events?
Authors: Kim Nancy S. , Paulus Daniel J. , Nguyen Thao P. , Gonzalez Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2012

Background. In assessing potential cases of major depressive disorder (MDD), to what extent do clinicians interpret symptoms within the explanatory context of major life stressors? Past research suggests that when clinicians know a plausible life event cause for a person’s disordered symptoms, they generally judge that person to be less abnormal than if the cause was unknown. However, the current, fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders specifies that only bereavement-related life events exclude a client from a diagnosis of MDD, and the upcoming fifth edition of the manual ( DSM-V) is currently slated to eliminate this bereavement clause altogether. Objective. To systematically examine whether clinicians’ judgments reflect agreement with either of these formal DSM specifications. Method. In a controlled experiment, 72 practicing, licensed clinical psychologists made judgments about realistic MDD vignettes that included a bereavement event, stressful non-bereavement event, neutral event, or no event. Results. Bonferroni-corrected paired comparisons revealed that both bereavement and non-bereavement life events led MDD symptoms to be rated as significantly less indicative of a depression diagnosis, less abnormal, less rare, and less culturally unacceptable (all P ≤ 0.001) relative to control conditions. Limitations. Clinicians made judgments of realistic, controlled vignettes rather than patients. Conclusions. The results suggest that practicing clinical psychologists assess symptoms within the explanatory context of bereavement and non-bereavement life stressors, indicating a departure from the DSM’s recommendations, both current and proposed. Implications for diagnostic decision making and the clinical utility of the DSM’s recommendations are discussed.
Posterior circulation embolism as a potential mechanism for migraine with aura
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Lim Tae Sung , Yong Seok Woo , Lee Jin Soo , Choi Jun Young , Hong Ji Man
Published: April 2012

Background: Although the mechanism of migraine is regarded as a functional disorder of the brain, numerous studies have reported that migraine is closely associated with vascular system abnormalities.

Case reports: We describe a 19-year-old female with recurrent migraine attacks and typical aura for 7 years. MRI showed multiple stroke lesions in the posterior circulation. Moreover, a pseudoaneurysm (1.9 ×  1.4 cm) originating from the left vertebral artery was observed on four-vessel angiography. Multiple microembolic signals (MES) were repeatedly observed in the basilar artery using 30-minute transcranial Doppler monitoring. Interestingly, MES and her typical migrainous symptoms disappeared simultaneously with removal of the pseudoaneurysm.

Discussion: This case supports the fact that microemboli play a pivotal role in the development of migraine attacks.
Peripheral endothelial function and arterial stiffness in women with migraine with aura: a case-control study
Authors: Liman TG , Neeb L , Rosinski J , Wellwood I , Reuter U , Doehner W , Heuschmann PU , Endres M
Published: April 2012

Background: Vascular dysfunction may be involved in migraine pathophysiology and contribute to the increased risk of ischemic stroke in migraine, particularly in women with migraine with aura (MA). However, data on endothelial function in MA are controversial. Here, we investigated whether systemic endothelial function and arterial stiffness are altered in women with MA, using a novel peripheral arterial tonometry device for the first time.

Methods: Twenty-nine female MA patients without comorbidities and 30 healthy women were included, and carotid intima-media thickness was assessed by a standardized procedure. Endothelial function was assessed using peripheral arterial tonometry. Reactive hyperaemic response of digital pulse amplitude was measured following 5 minutes of forearm occlusion of the brachial artery. Arterial stiffness was assessed by fingertip tonometry derived and heart-rate-adjusted augmentation index.

Results: No differences were found in peripheral arterial tonometry ratio (2.3 ± 0.6 vs 2.2 ± 0.8; p = 0.58) and left carotid intima-media thickness (in µm: 484 ± 119 vs 508 ± 60; p = 0.37). Women with MA had higher heart-rate-averaged augmentation index [median (interquartile range, IQR) of 5 (IQR 0.5 to 18) vs –5 (IQR −16.8 to 8.3), p = 0.005] and heart-rate-adjusted augmentation index [1 (IQR −6 to 12.5) vs −8 (IQR −20.3 to 2.5), p = 0.008] than healthy controls.

Conclusion: Peripheral endothelial function is not impaired in women with MA, but they have greater arterial stiffness. This may contribute to the increased stroke risk in women with MA.
The Effects of Chlorhexidine Graft Decontamination on Tendon Graft Collagen and Cell Viability
Authors: Alomar Abdulaziz Z. , Gawri Rahul , Roughley Peter J. , Haglund Lisbet , Burman Mark
Published: April 2012

Background:

Chlorhexidine (CLX) has been reported as a popular and effective disinfectant of contaminated tendon grafts with no biomechanical sequelae; however, its biochemical effects on tendon collagen and fibroblasts remain unknown.

Purpose:

To determine whether CLX disinfection of contaminated tendon grafts has deleterious effects on tendon collagen or a toxic effect on fibroblast function.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Collagen fibrils prepared from purified bovine collagen type I were treated with various CLX concentrations (0.5%-4%) and incubation times (10-40 minutes), and the effects on fibril degradation and solubility were then examined using gel electrophoresis. Fresh bovine tendons were treated with sterile water or 2% CLX; then, fibroblast mobility and metabolic activity were evaluated using light microscopy and Alamar Blue assay, respectively.

Results:

No effect on collagen fibrils was observed when they were exposed to 0%, 0.5%, or 2% CLX at any exposure time. However, 4% CLX dissolved the fibrils even after short incubation times. Fibroblasts migrated out from the control tendon explants but not from explants treated with 2% CLX, and a 5-fold reduction in metabolic activity was observed throughout the tendon in explants exposed to 2% CLX, suggesting that CLX penetrated and killed cells throughout the tissue.

Conclusion:

Four-percent CLX caused collagen fibrils to dissolve in vitro, and tendon graft disinfection with 2% CLX was cytotoxic to the cells.

Clinical Relevance:

Because of its chemical effect on tendon collagen and cytotoxic effect on tendon fibroblasts, 4% CLX should not be used as a disinfectant. Two-percent CLX can be used to disinfect contaminated ACL grafts, but such treatment will drastically reduce the metabolic activity of the cells within the graft, making it similar to an acellular allograft tendon.
The Role of B Vitamins in the Management of Heart Failure
Authors: Azizi‐Namini Parastoo , Ahmed Mavra , Yan Andrew T. , Keith Mary
Published: April 2012

Heart failure (HF) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in industrialized countries, creating a significant burden on both the healthcare system and quality of life. Research efforts continue to explore new pharmaceutical or surgically based approaches to HF management, but the role of nutrition as an adjunct therapy has been largely ignored. Elderly age, anorexia, malabsorption, premature satiety, and disease severity are among the factors identified as contributing to reduced nutrient intakes in patients with HF. These factors suggest that patients with HF are at increased risk of multiple‐nutrient deficiencies, including B vitamins. B vitamins may be of particular therapeutic interest because of their key roles as cofactors in energy‐producing pathways. Recently, impaired stores of high‐energy compounds have been linked with myocardial dysfunction and prognosis in patients with HF. Therefore, deficiencies of B vitamins might contribute to reduced energy stores and disease progression. This review summarizes the existing literature both with respect to the prevalence of B vitamin deficiency as well as evidence from supplementation trials in patients with HF. The findings suggest that most of the literature in this area has focused on thiamin deficiency in patients with HF, whereas other B vitamins remain largely unstudied. Although few sporadic trials suggest a role for B vitamins in the management of HF, none are conclusive. Therefore, there is a need for larger, more robust trials to assist in defining the B vitamin requirements as well as the impact of supplementation on both morbidity and mortality in patients with HF.
Analyzing batch-to-batch and part-to-part springback variation of DP600 steels using a double-loop Monte Carlo simulation
Authors: Bekar Deniz , Acar Erdem , Ozer Firat , Guler Mehmet Ali
Published: April 2012

Many automobile companies are actively exploring the use of high-strength dual-phase steels as an alternative to aluminum and magnesium alloys owing to their light weight, low cost and durability. However, dual-phase steels have a tendency to springback more than other structural steels in a forming operation owing to their high tensile strength. In addition, variations in manufacturing process parameters and material properties cause springback variation over different manufactured parts. Therefore, it is an important task to reduce the magnitude of springback, as well as its variation within, to produce robust and cost-effective parts. This article investigates minimization of the magnitude and variation of springback of DP600 steels in U-channel forming within a robust optimization framework. The computational cost was reduced by utilizing metamodels for prediction of the springback and its variation during optimization. Three different allowable sheet thinning levels were considered in solving the robust optimization problem, and it was found that, as the allowable thinning increased, the die radius decreased, thereby the magnitude and variation of springback reduced. A simple sensitivity analysis was performed and the yield stress was found to be the most important random variable. Finally, a double-loop Monte Carlo simulation method was proposed to calculate part-to-part and batch-to-batch springback variations. It was found that, as the batch-to-batch variation of yield stress increased, the batch-to-batch springback variation increased, while the part-to-part springback variation remained unchanged.
A situated perspective on the regulation of practice
Authors: Pedersen Martin
Published: April 2012

This article investigates the construction of a building and focuses on the uses of technical drawings. The conventional approach to understanding a construction process claims that workers follow the engineers’ and architects’ drawings systematically and consistently, which is, on the whole, considered a problem-free course of events. Arguing from a situated perspective, this paper will demonstrate that this is not always the case. Owing to the situated nature of actions, the drawings cannot be understood as the pivotal tool for restraining the construction practice; instead they are resources for meaningful actions. It is argued that the construction practice is better understood as constituted and regulated as a matter of reciprocal “give-and-take” relations between participants in different professions. These give-and-take relations are based in the continual negotiations that take place between participants from different professions. Depending on their profession, these participants have different priorities founded on the underlying contradictions within the object of practice. The cooperation between participants in different professions therefore involves a conflictual premise, which is termed “conflictual cooperation.” Introducing an empirical example of a breakdown in the construction work demonstrates how these contradictions may become conflicts. The empirical example shows how a shift in the usage of the drawings resulted from the breakdown, as they came to be used as precise precepts legitimizing the workers’ actions. In this way the drawings are understood differently in different contexts, and the interpretation thereof inevitably involves give-and-take relations.
The Effect of the Extinction Procedure in Function-Based Intervention
Authors: Janney Donna M. , Umbreit John , Ferro Jolenea B. , Liaupsin Carl J. , Lane Kathleen L.
Published: April 2012

In this study, we examined the contribution of the extinction procedure in function-based interventions implemented in the general education classrooms of three at-risk elementary-aged students. Function-based interventions included antecedent adjustments, reinforcement procedures, and function-matched extinction procedures. Using a combined ABC and reversal phase design (A-B-A-B-C-B), a functional relation between the full intervention and dramatically improved levels of on-task behavior were clearly established. On removal of the extinction procedure, on-task behavior rapidly dropped to lower levels. Reinstatement of the full intervention occurred following the partial intervention condition. In every case, on-task levels rapidly improved. Using the Intervention Rating Profile–15 and Children’s Intervention Rating Profile, acceptability ratings were highest for full intervention. Limitations and implications for further research are presented.
Particle Counts and Size Distributions in the Roadside Environment
Authors: Cheng Yan , Yu Chuck Wah Francis , Huang Yu , Zhang Yun Wei , Gao Yuan , Yau Pui Shan , Chan Chi Seng , Lee Shun Cheng
Published: April 2012

Continuous measurements of number concentrations and size distributions of particles with diameters of 7–225 nm and 100–2,000 nm were conducted, using a TSI scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and an optical particle counter (OPC), respectively, in eight weekdays of 2005 at a roadside environment in Hong Kong. PM2.5 and PM10 mass concentrations, black carbon (BC), particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (p-PAHs), traffic counts and meteorological parameters were simultaneously monitored every hour. On average, the total particle number concentrations were 50,235 ± 27,076 cm−3 in the SMPS size range and 5,771 ± 1,793 cm−3 in the OPC size range in the winter sampling days, exceeding the summer particle number concentrations by a factor of 1.5 and 2.5, respectively. The ultrafine mode particles accounted for ∼90% of the particles in the SMPS size range. Daily cycle of particle numbers in the SMPS size range were obvious, with high values during daytime and low values during nigh time, which is consistent with the traffic pattern, especially the diesel-fuelled vehicles ( r = 0.72). Moreover, these particles were found to have good correlations with BC ( r = 0.84) and p-PAHs ( r = 0.90). The findings have suggested that diesel-fuelled vehicle exhausts are the dominant source for ultrafine particles at roadside environments of Hong Kong.
Embodied lenses for collaborative visual queries on tabletop displays
Authors: Kim KyungTae , Elmqvist Niklas
Published: April 2012

We introduce embodied lenses for visual queries on tabletop surfaces using physical interaction. The lenses are simply thin sheets of paper or transparent foil decorated with fiducial markers, allowing them to be tracked by a diffuse illumination tabletop display. The physical affordance of these embodied lenses allow them to be overlapped, causing composition in the underlying virtual space. We perform a formative evaluation to study users’ conceptual models for overlapping physical lenses. This is followed by a quantitative user study comparing performance for embodied versus purely virtual lenses. Results show that embodied lenses are as efficient as purely virtual lenses, and also support tactile and eyes-free interaction. We then present several examples of the technique, including image layers, map layers, image manipulation, and multidimensional data visualization. The technique is simple, cheap, and can be integrated into many existing tabletop displays.
FrequentEGFRmutations in nonsmall cell lung cancer presenting with miliary intrapulmonary carcinomatosis
Authors: Wu Shang-Gin , Hu Fu-Chang , Chang Yih-Leong , Lee Yung-Chie , Yu Chong-Jen , Chang Yeun-Chung , Wu Jenn-Yu , Shih Jin-Yuan , Yang Pan-Chyr
Published: April 2012

Nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presenting with miliary intrapulmonary carcinomatosis (MIPC) is rare. We investigated the clinical characteristics and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation rate of NSCLC patients with MIPC at initial diagnosis.

From June 2004 to December 2008, we screened newly diagnosed NSCLC patients for MIPC using image-based criteria. We recorded clinical data and analysedEGFRmutation status. For comparison, we collected specimens from stage IV NSCLC patients without MIPC tested forEGFRmutations from April 2001 to November 2008.

From 3,612 NSCLC patients, 85 patients with MIPC at initial diagnosis were identified; 81 had adenocarcinoma. Of the 85 patients, 60 had specimen sequencing to detectEGFRmutation; 42 (70%) were positive. Compared with 673 stage IV patients without MIPC, patients with MIPC had higherEGFRmutation rate (p=0.036); even male smokers had a highEGFRmutation rate (91%). Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors for overall survival of the 85 patients with MIPC revealed that adenocarcinoma, absence of extrapulmonary metastasis and havingEGFRmutation were associated with longer overall survival.

NSCLC patients with MIPC at initial diagnosis had higher rates of adenocarcinoma andEGFRmutation. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibition may be the treatment of choice for NSCLC patients with MIPC at initial diagnosis among Asians.
Sputum purulence-guided antibiotic use in hospitalised patients with exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Soler Néstor , Esperatti Mariano , Ewig Santiago , Huerta Arturo , Agustí Carlos , Torres Antoni
Published: April 2012

In patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) needing hospitalisation, sputum purulence is associated with bacteria in the lower respiratory tract. We performed a prospective non-randomised interventional pilot study applying a sputum purulence-guided strategy of antibiotic treatment and investigating the relationship between sputum purulence and biomarkers.

In hospitalised patients with acute exacerbation of COPD antibiotics were restricted to those with purulent sputum. The primary end-point was rate of therapeutic failure during hospitalisation. Secondary end-points were parameters reflecting short- and long-term outcomes.

We included 73 patients, 34 with non-purulent sputum. No differences were observed on therapeutic failure criteria (9% non-purulentversus10% purulent (p=0.51)). Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was significantly increased in the purulent group at admission (11.6versus5.3, p=0.006) and at day 3 (2.7versus1.2, p=0.01). Serum procalcitonin (PCT) was similar between the groups. No differences were found in short-term outcomes. The exacerbation rate at 180 days was higher in the purulent group.

These results support the hypothesis of performing a randomised trial using a sputum purulence-guided antibiotic treatment strategy in patients with acute exacerbations of COPD. CRP, but not PCT, may be a useful parameter to increase confidence of the absence of bacterial bronchial infection.
Persistent disruption of ciliated epithelium following paediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Thomas Biju , Aurora Paul , Spencer Helen , Elliott Martin , Rutman Andrew , Hirst Robert A. , O'Callaghan Christopher
Published: April 2012

It is unclear whether ciliary function following lung transplantation is normal or not. Our aim was to study the ciliary function and ultrastructure of epithelium above and below the airway anastomosis and the peripheral airway of children following lung transplantation.

We studied the ciliary beat frequency (CBF) and beat pattern, using high speed digital video imaging and ultrastructure by transmission electron microscopy, of bronchial epithelium from above and below the airway anastomosis and the peripheral airway of 10 cystic fibrosis (CF) and 10 non-suppurative lung disease (NSLD) paediatric lung transplant recipients.

Compared to epithelium below the anastomosis, the epithelium above the anastomosis in the CF group showed reduced CBF (median (interquartile range): 10.5 (9.0–11.4) Hzversus7.4 (6.4–9.2) Hz; p<0.01) and increased dyskinesia (median (IQR): 16.5 (12.9–28.2)%versus42.2 (32.6–56.4)%; p<0.01). In both CF and NSLD groups, compared with epithelium above the anastomosis, the epithelium below the anastomosis showed marked ultrastructural abnormalities (median duration post-transplant 7–12 months).

Ciliary dysfunction is a feature of native airway epithelium in paediatric CF lung transplant recipients. The epithelium below the airway anastomosis shows profound ultrastructural abnormalities in both CF and NSLD lung transplant recipients, many months after transplantation.
Transcriptome analysis of stem development in the tumourous stem mustard Brassica juncea var. tumida Tsen et Lee by RNA sequencing
Authors: Sun Quan , Zhou Guanfan , Cai Yingfan , Fan Yonghong , Zhu Xiaoyan , Liu Yihua , He Xiaohong , Shen Jinjuan , Jiang Huaizhong , Hu Daiwen , Pan Zheng , Xiang Liuxin , He Guanghua , Dong Daiwen , Yang Jianping
Published: April 2012

Background

Tumourous stem mustard (Brassica juncea var. tumida Tsen et Lee) is an economically and nutritionally important vegetable crop of the Cruciferae family that also provides the raw material for Fuling mustard. The genetics breeding, physiology, biochemistry and classification of mustards have been extensively studied, but little information is available on tumourous stem mustard at the molecular level. To gain greater insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying stem swelling in this vegetable and to provide additional information for molecular research and breeding, we sequenced the transcriptome of tumourous stem mustard at various stem developmental stages and compared it with that of a mutant variety lacking swollen stems.

Results

Using Illumina short-read technology with a tag-based digital gene expression (DGE) system, we performed de novo transcriptome assembly and gene expression analysis. In our analysis, we assembled genetic information for tumourous stem mustard at various stem developmental stages. In addition, we constructed five DGE libraries, which covered the strains Yong'an and Dayejie at various development stages. Illumina sequencing identified 146,265 unigenes, including 11,245 clusters and 135,020 singletons. The unigenes were subjected to a BLAST search and annotated using the GO and KO databases. We also compared the gene expression profiles of three swollen stem samples with those of two non-swollen stem samples. A total of 1,042 genes with significantly different expression levels occurring simultaneously in the six comparison groups were screened out. Finally, the altered expression levels of a number of randomly selected genes were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR.

Conclusions

Our data provide comprehensive gene expression information at the transcriptional level and the first insight into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms and regulatory pathways of stem swelling and development in this plant, and will help define new mechanisms of stem development in non-model plant organisms.
Critical Role of Types 2 and 3 Deiodinases in the Negative Regulation of Gene Expression by T3 in the Mouse Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Hernandez Arturo , Morte Beatriz , Belinchón Mónica M. , Ceballos Ainhoa , Bernal Juan
Published: April 2012

Thyroid hormones regulate brain development and function through the control of gene expression, mediated by binding of T3 to nuclear receptors. Brain T3 concentration is tightly controlled by homeostatic mechanisms regulating transport and metabolism of T4 and T3. We have examined the role of the inactivating enzyme type 3 deiodinase (D3) in the regulation of 43 thyroid hormone-dependent genes in the cerebral cortex of 30-d-old mice. D3 inactivation increased slightly the expression of two of 22 positively regulated genes and significantly decreased the expression of seven of 21 negatively regulated genes. Administration of high doses of T3 led to significant changes in the expression of 12 positive genes and three negative genes in wild-type mice. The response to T3 treatment was enhanced in D3-deficient mice, both in the number of genes and in the amplitude of the response, demonstrating the role of D3 in modulating T3 action. Comparison of the effects on gene expression observed in D3 deficiency with those in hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and type 2 deiodinase (D2) deficiency revealed that the negative genes are more sensitive to D2 and D3 deficiencies than the positive genes. This observation indicates that, in normal physiological conditions, D2 and D3 play critical roles in maintaining local T3 concentrations within a very narrow range. It also suggests that negatively and positively regulated genes do not have the same physiological significance or that their regulation by thyroid hormone obeys different paradigms at the molecular or cellular levels.
Chromatin immunoprecipitation-promoter microarray identification of genes regulated by PRDM16 in murine embryonic palate mesenchymal cells
Authors: Warner Dennis R , Mukhopadhyay Partha , Webb Cindy L , Greene Robert M , Pisano M Michele
Published: April 2012

The transcription factor PRDM16 regulates differentiation of brown adipocyte tissue in mice. Recently, however, it has been demonstrated that genetic knockout of Prdm16 in mice leads to a complete cleft of the secondary palate in offspring. To identify genes whose promoters bind PRDM16 in mouse embryonic palate/maxillary mesenchymal cells, we have conducted a chromatin immunoprecipitation-promoter microarray analysis (ChIP-Chip). One hundred and twenty-two gene promoters were identified as capable of binding PRDM16. These could be functionally grouped to include those on genes linked to muscle development, chondrogenesis and osteogenesis, in addition to many transcription factors. These results suggest that PRDM16 may play a role in differentiation of mesenchymal cells in the embryonic secondary palate that contribute to the anterior, bony palate and posterior, muscular palate.
A novel polypeptide from Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus inhibits the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Cuicui , Liu Ming , Cheng Linyou , Wei Jianteng , Wu Ning , Zheng Lanhong , Lin Xiukun
Published: April 2012

A novel polypeptide (Mere15) was purified from Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange, gel filtration and reversed phase chromatography. Mere15 exhibited selective cytotoxicity to several human cancer cells. In vivo study showed that Mere15 significantly suppressed the growth of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 xenograft in nude mice. The mechanism was associated with a G2/M phase arrest followed by apoptosis, including membrane blebbing, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, externalization of phosphatidylserine, chromosome condensation and DNA fragmentation. Western blot analysis showed that the intrinsic pathway was involved in Mere15-induced apoptosis. These results suggest that Mere15 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of non-small-cell lung carcinoma.
Evaluation of the spontaneous reversibility of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver cirrhosis in rabbits
Authors: Bravo E , D'Amore E , Ciaffoni F , Mammola C L
Published: April 2012

There is a general consensus that liver fibrosis in humans is potentially reversible, while scepticism prevails on the concept that cirrhosis can be truly reversed. The availability of suitable experimental models is fundamental for disease research. The experimental murine model of liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) reproduces both the histological picture of the postnecrotic cirrhosis and its biochemical and clinical parameters. Normal hepatic structure is modified by formation of regeneration nodules. Fibrosis represents a morphological element of disease and an effect of hepatocyte necrosis. However, the relevance for research of this well-established model of liver cirrhosis is hampered by some spontaneous cirrhosis regression reported in mice and rats. It has been reported that CCl4 also induces experimental liver cirrhosis in rabbits, but it is not known whether the process is reversible in this species. The aim of our study was to investigate this question. Male New Zealand White rabbits were treated intragastrically with CCl4 or the vehicle only for 19 weeks and groups were sacrificed three and five months after treatment interruption. Cirrhotic and control livers were processed for routine light microscopy and for morphometric study of fibrosis by semiquantitative evaluation. The degree of fibrosis was based on the Knodell's scoring system.
Plasmodium vivax remains responsive to chloroquine with primaquine treatment regimen: a prospective cohort study from tertiary care teaching hospital in southern India
Authors: Saravu Kavitha , Acharya Vasudeva , Kumar Krishna , Kumar Rishikesh
Published: April 2012

We conducted this prospective study among 110 symptomatic Plasmodium vivax patients attending the Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, India, in order to evaluate their clinico-laboratory profile during July 2007–July 2009. Complications observed among patients were: anaemia (46.4%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 37.08–55.72%); thrombocytopenia (68.2%; 95% CI, 59.5–76.9%); leucopenia (29.1%; 95% CI, 20.61–37.59%); hyperbilirubinaemia (20%; 95% CI, 12.53–27.47%); non-oliguric renal failure (10.9%; 95% CI, 5.08–16.72%); elevated serum transaminases (33.6%; 95% CI, 24.77–42.43%); hypotension (8.2%; 95% CI, 3.07–13.33%); hepatomegaly (27.3%; 95% CI, 18.97–35.63%); and splenomegaly and jaundice in 12.7% (95% CI, 6.48–18.92%). The 99% chloroquine response and zero mortality observed in this study of vivax malaria are encouraging points for practicing physicians.
Análise quantitativa de crescimento vegetal em cultivares de morangueiro (Fragarta spp.), sob a influência de fito-reguladores de crescimento
Authors: Lucchesi Antonio Augusto , Minami Keigo
Published: April 2012

O presente trabalho, conduzido em área experimental da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", em Piracicaba, SP, teve como finalidade estudar as influências de diferentes fito-reguladores no crescimento de cultivares ('Campinas' e 'Monte Alegre') de morangueiro (Fragaria spp·). Foram aplicados os fito-reguladores: ácido indolil 3-acetico (IAA), 30 ppm; ácido 2-(3-clorofenoxi) propiônico (CPA), 75 ppm; ácido giberélico (GA3), 30 ppm; cloreto de (2-cloroetil) trimetil amônio (CCC), 1.500 ppm; sal potássico de 6-hidroxi-3-(2H)-piridazinone (MH), 900 ppm; e ácido succínico-2,2 - dimetilhidrazida (SADH), 900 ppm; sendo que essas dosagens foram subdivididas, e aplicadas em tres vezes, com intervalo de uma semana, iniciando-se, a três semanas após o transplante das plantas de morangueiro para o local definitivo Para ser executada a análise quantitativa de crescimento vegetal dos cultivares estudados, a cada 14 dias, com início uma semana após a aplicação da última sub-dose dos fito-reguladores, e terminando quando as plantas iniciavam a emissão de estolhos, foram colhidas plantas e determinadas a área foliar e peso da matéria seca produzida. Através dos estudos realizados, concluise que os produtos GA3, IAA e CPA conferiram as plantas, um maior. crescimento, pois induziram a uma maior relação parte aérea/sistema radicular (RPAR) , maior índice de área foliar (IAF), maior taxa de produção de matéria seca (TPMS), e maior eficiência de conversão da energia solar (Ec); CCC e SADH induziram a valores médios desses parâmetros, portanto médio crescimento e razoável produção; e, os menores índices de crescimento foram obtidos com MH, portanto reduzindo o crescimento e a produção do morangueiro. A análise de crescimento mostrou que 'Campinas' possui maior taxa de crescimento relativo (TCR), maior taxa de assimilação líquida (TAL), maior taxa de produção de matéria seca (TPMS) e maior eficiência de conversão da energia solar (Ec); e possui menor taxa de crescimento foliar relativo (TCRF) e menor razão de área foliar (RAF), que 'Monte Alegre',sendo que nao houve diferença entre o índice de área foliar (IAF) e relação parte aérea/sistema radicular (RPAR) entre os dois cultivares.
Tolerância de cultivares de trigo (Triticum aestivum L.) ao alumínio e ao manganês: IV. influência do manganês e do grau de tolerância ao manganês sobre as concentrações de P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu das partes aéreas e Ca, Fe e Mn das raízes
Authors: Brauner J.L. , Sarruge J.R.
Published: April 2012

Este estudo foi feito com a finalidade de verificar a influência do Mn sobre as concentrações de P, Ca, Mg, Mn, Zn e Cu das partes aéreas e Ca, Fe e Mn das raízes, bem como detectar possíveis relações entre as concentrações dos elementos determinados em ambos os órgãos com o grau de tolerância ao Mn dos cultivares. Concluiu-se que o grau de tolerância ao Mn não está relacionado com as concentrações de P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn e Cu das partes aéreas e Ca, Fe e Mn das raízes e que as concentrações dos elementos determinados em ambos os órgãos se comportam diferentemente em função das concentrações de Mn na solução.
Disponibilidade do potássio a partir de vários materiais potássicos, utilizando o arroz como planta indicadora
Authors: Neptune André M. Louis , Muraoka Takashi , Fujimori Kenkichi , Vidal Antonia A.
Published: April 2012

O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, durante o período de 17/8/1978 a 17/11/1978, em um LVe, textura média. Os materiais potássicos utilizados foram: um sal de potássio solúvel em água, o cloreto de potássio e quatro amostras, incluindo uma Kaliofilita, provenientes do Planalto de Poços de Caldas, MG, as quais foram submetidas a um tratamento hidrotérmico provocando, assim, alterações na sua estrutura cristalina. Foram aplicados 100 kg/ha de k(2)0 (Dose 1) e 200 kg/ha de k(2)0 (Dose 2), alem de uréia e do superfosfato simples. Os resultados indicaram que não houve diferença significativa com aplicação da dose 1 de k(2)0, entre os materiais potássicos, porém, com a aplicação da dose 2 de k(2)0, um dos materiais potássicos se destacou dos demais.
Aderência dos cursos de Fisioterapia da região Norte às Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais
Authors: Teixeira Renato da Costa
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: Após a aprovação das Diretrizes Curriculares Nacionais para os cursos de Fisioterapia (DCN/Fisio), houve um expressivo aumento no número de cursos de graduação em Fisioterapia. A região Norte apresentou a maior taxa de crescimento desses cursos, entre 1999 e 2004, existindo atualmente 27 cursos nessa região. A DCN/FISIO trouxe uma mudança no paradigma de formação desse profissional, passando-se a buscar um perfil de egresso generalista, humanista, crítico e reflexivo. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Com a finalidade de analisarmos a aderência dos cursos de fisioterapia da região Norte às DCN/Fisio, realizamos uma análise crítica dos projetos pedagógicos (PPC) de dez cursos de Fisioterapia da região, com base na mesma metodologia utilizada pelo Instituto Nacional de Estudos e Pesquisas Educacionais Anísio Teixeira (Inep) em 2006, em estudo semelhante com os cursos de Enfermagem, Medicina e Odontologia. RESULTADOS: A aderência média dos PPC às DCN/Fisio foi de 74%. Encontramos como pontos fortes: a construção coletiva dos projetos pedagógicos, matriz curricular interdisciplinar ou a utilização de metodologias que propiciam essa prática, a integração entre teoria e prática, a presença de mecanismos de controle do Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso, maior abrangência das áreas de atuação profissional durante o estágio supervisionado, o incentivo à produção científica, o equilíbrio entre as cargas horárias dos conteúdos essenciais e a presença de regulamento das atividades complementares. Por sua vez, encontramos como fragilidades: o projeto pedagógico construído por grupos restritos, a transcrição literal de elementos das DCN/Fisio no PPC, metodologias de ensino não condizentes com a perspectiva de formação das DCN/Fisio.
Segurança da intervenção fisioterápica precoce após o infarto agudo do miocárdio
Authors: Hiss Michele Daniela Borges Santos , Neves Victor Ribeiro , Hiss Flávio Cantarelli , Silva Ester , Silva Audrey Borghi e , Catai Aparecida Maria
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: A fisioterapia na fase I da reabilitação cardiovascular (FTCV) pode ser iniciada de 12 a 24 horas após o infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), no entanto, é comum o repouso prolongado no leito em razão do receio de instabilização do paciente. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar as respostas autonômicas e hemodinâmicas de pacientes pós-IAM submetidos ao primeiro dia de protocolo de FTCV fase I, bem como sua segurança. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 51 pacientes com primeiro IAM não complicado, 55 ± 11 anos, 76% homens. Foram submetidos ao primeiro dia do protocolo de FTCV fase I, em média 24 horas pós-IAM. A frequência cardíaca (FC) instantânea e os intervalos R-R do ECG foram captados pelo monitor de FC (Polar®S810i) e a pressão arterial (PA) aferida pelo método auscultatório. A variabilidade da FC foi analisada nos domínios do tempo (RMSSD e RMSM dos iR-R em ms) e da frequência. A densidade espectral de potência foi expressa em unidades absolutas (ms²/Hz) e normalizada (un) para as bandas de baixa (BF) e alta frequência (AF) e pela razão BF/AF. RESULTADOS: O índice RMSSD, a AF e a AFun apresentaram redução na execução dos exercícios em relação ao repouso pré e pós-exercício (p < 0,05), a BFun e a razão BF/AF aumentaram (p < 0,05). A FC e a PA sistólica apresentaram aumento durante a execução dos exercícios em relação ao repouso (p < 0,05). Não foi observado qualquer sinal e/ou sintoma de intolerância ao esforço. CONCLUSÕES: O exercício realizado foi eficaz, pois promoveu alterações hemodinâmicas e na modulação autonômica nesses pacientes, sem ocasionar qualquer intercorrência clínica.
A novel protocol for occlusal splint adjustment to treat TMD in sleep bruxism
Authors: Giannasi Lilian Christyane , Hirata Raquel Pastréllo , Politti Fabiano , Nacif Sergio Roberto , Leitão Filho Fernando Sérgio Studart , Oliveira Luis Vicente Franco de
Published: April 2012

INTRODUCTION: Sleep bruxism (SB) is a stereotypical movement disorder that is characterized by rhythmic masticatory muscle activity associated with tooth grinding and occasional jaw clenching. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the relief time for temporomandibular disorders (TMD), cervical and otological signs and symptoms in patients with BS treated with occlusal splints (OS) for a period of 180 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients, between ages 22 and 53 years old, presenting SB and TMD, including cervical and otological symptoms, were enrolled in this study. The patient’s treatment protocol consisted of using the OS applying a novel adjustment protocol. The total follow-up period was 180 days. The paired Student t-test was used to compare before and after long-term OS treatment. RESULTS: For all variables, the results were statistically significant (p < 0.001). As to the TMD symptoms, in most patients the relief of pain in masseter, temporalis, cervical and TMDs occurred in the 3rd month. Twenty percent of the patients were aware of clenching teeth while awake and reported that this parafunction decreased by the end of 6 months, and 90% reported an improvement in sleep quality as well. CONCLUSION: The use of an OS with a novel adjustment protocol was an effective treatment for TMD sign and symptoms in patients with SB.
Wheelchairs propulsion analysis: review
Authors: Sagawa Júnior Yoshimasa , Haupenthal Alessandro , Borges Junior Noé Gomes , Santos Daniela Pacheco dos , Watelain Eric
Published: April 2012

OBJECTIVES: To analyze aspects related with wheelchair propulsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to delineate this review the search for information was carried out within electronics databases, using the following descriptors: "wheelchair propulsion", "wheelchair biomechanics" e "wheelchair users". Full papers published in English and French were included in the study. RESULTS: The wheelchair propulsion is a complex movement that requires the execution of repeated bi manual forces applications during a short time period. In this movement high levels of force must be produced due to the bad mechanical performance of the wheelchair. Could be characterized that wheelchair users are not satisfied with their wheelchair, the places are not adapted to their presence and lack of specific criteria for the adjustment of this equipment. The main points to look at are the seat height in relation to elbow flexion (100-120 degrees) with his hand in the propulsion rim and tire pressure. The semicircular mode of technique propulsion seems to be more appropriate; in this pattern the wheelchair user returns his hand under the rim after propulsion. Efforts in wheelchairs are high and the incidence of injuries in wheelchair users is high. CONCLUSION: One can conclude that in spite of researchers’ efforts there are still many divergences between topics and methods of evaluation, what makes difficult to apply the experimental results to the wheelchairs users’ daily life.
Efetividade do exercício físico na insuficiência renal crônica
Authors: Nascimento Leilane Cristielle de Alencar , Coutinho Érika Bona , Silva Kelson Nonato Gomes da
Published: April 2012

INTRODUÇÃO: O exercício físico em nefropatas submetidos à hemodiálise se faz importante, uma vez que esses pacientes apresentam acentuada redução da funcionalidade e do condicionamento, o que interfere negativamente na qualidade de vida. Contudo, os benefícios, o tipo de exercício mais adequado e parâmetros como intensidade, frequência e duração não estão bem esclarecidos para essa população. OBJETIVOS: Realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre a influência do exercício físico em pacientes renais crônicos submetidos à hemodiálise. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas buscas nas bases MEDLINE, LILACS, PEDro, SciELO e PubMed, sendo selecionados artigos (ensaios clínicos controlados randomizados, séries de casos e estudos de caso) nos idiomas inglês e português, publicados entre 2000 e 2010. RESULTADOS: Foram encontrados 105 artigos, sendo 82 da base de dados PubMed, 16 da base PEDro e 7 da base SciELO. Não foram encontrados artigos nas bases MEDLINE e LILACS. Desses, apenas sete preenchiam aos critérios de inclusão. A partir desses sete artigos, realizou-se busca manual ativa na lista de referências dessas publicações, nas quais foi possível verificar a presença de apenas três referências. CONCLUSÃO: Pôde-se concluir, por meio dos artigos revisados, que os exercícios físicos, seja aeróbico e/ou de resistência, possuem efeitos incrementais na capacidade funcional, função muscular e qualidade de vida de nefropatas submetidos à hemodiálise. Portanto, o treinamento físico deve ser considerado como uma modalidade terapêutica importante, sendo fundamental a inserção do fisioterapeuta nos centros dialíticos, fazendo parte de uma equipe multidisciplinar.
Fenologia e biologia reprodutiva de duas espécies de Byrsonima Rich. (Malpighiaceae) em área de Cerrado no Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Mendes Fernanda Nogueira , Rêgo Márcia Maria Corrêa , Albuquerque Patrícia Maia Correia de
Published: April 2012

O conhecimento dos padrões fenológicos e da biologia floral, a determinação do papel dos vetores de fluxo de pólen, além do entendimento do sistema reprodutivo, são pontos fundamentais para a compreensão da biologia reprodutiva das espécies. Diante disso, o sistema reprodutivo, a fenologia da floração e os insetos visitantes de Byrsonima umbellata Mart. e B. rotunda Griseb. foram estudados em uma área de Cerrado, no município de Urbano Santos, Estado do Maranhão. Byrsonima umbellata apresenta longo período de floração (oito meses) e B. rotunda possui floração curta (um mês). Em ambas as espécies as flores são hermafroditas e as anteses diurnas. Byrsonima umbellata é facultativamente auto-incompatível, apresentando maior produção de frutos através da polinização cruzada (46,6%), e B. rotunda é autocompatível, com produção de frutos em todos os experimentos, inclusive através da agamospermia (60%), entretanto a maior produção ocorreu por geitonogamia (90%). Foram observadas 42 e 16 espécies de abelhas nas flores de B. umbellata e B. rotunda, respectivamente. Centris aenea Lepeletier e C. (Trachina) sp.n. foram consideradas os polinizadores mais eficientes em flores de B. umbellata e C. aenea de B. rotunda. As duas espécies de Byrsonima apresentam importante função ecológica, pois representam importantes fontes de recursos a diversas espécies de abelhas em períodos de déficit de floração no ambiente estudado.