bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological and functional differentiation in BE(2)-M17 human neuroblastoma cells by treatment with Trans-retinoic acid
Authors: Andres Devon , Keyser Brian M , Petrali John , Benton Betty , Hubbard Kyle S , McNutt Patrick M , Ray Radharaman
Published: April 2013

Background

Immortalized neuronal cell lines can be induced to differentiate into more mature neurons by adding specific compounds or growth factors to the culture medium. This property makes neuronal cell lines attractive as in vitro cell models to study neuronal functions and neurotoxicity. The clonal human neuroblastoma BE(2)-M17 cell line is known to differentiate into a more prominent neuronal cell type by treatment with trans-retinoic acid. However, there is a lack of information on the morphological and functional aspects of these differentiated cells.

Results

We studied the effects of trans-retinoic acid treatment on (a) some differentiation marker proteins, (b) types of voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels and (c) Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter ([3H] glycine) release in cultured BE(2)-M17 cells. Cells treated with 10 μM trans-retinoic acid (RA) for 72 hrs exhibited marked changes in morphology to include neurite extensions; presence of P/Q, N and T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels; and expression of neuron specific enolase (NSE), synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP-25), nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 (nAChR-α7) and other neuronal markers. Moreover, retinoic acid treated cells had a significant increase in evoked Ca2+-dependent neurotransmitter release capacity. In toxicity studies of the toxic gas, phosgene (CG), that differentiation of M17 cells with RA was required to see the changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentrations following exposure to CG.

Conclusion

Taken together, retinoic acid treated cells had improved morphological features as well as neuronal characteristics and functions; thus, these retinoic acid differentiated BE(2)-M17 cells may serve as a better neuronal model to study neurobiology and/or neurotoxicity.
Active microscope stabilization in three dimensions using image correlation
Authors: McGorty Ryan , Kamiyama Daichi , Huang Bo
Published: April 2013

Background

Super-resolution microscopy techniques are often extremely susceptible to sample drift due to their high spatial resolution and the long time needed for data acquisition. While several techniques for stabilizing against drift exist, many require complicated additional hardware or intrusive sample preparations. We introduce a method that requires no additional sample preparation, is simple to implement and simultaneously corrects for x, y and z drift.

Results

We use bright-field images of the specimen itself to calculate drift in all three dimensions: x, y and z. Bright-field images are acquired on an inexpensive CCD. By correlating each acquired bright-field image with an in-focus and two out-of-focus reference images we determine and actively correct for drift at rates of a few Hertz. This method can maintain stability to within 10 nm for x and y and 20 nm for z over several minutes.

Conclusion

Our active drift stabilization system is capable of simultaneously compensating x, y and z drift through an image-based correlation method that requires no special sample treatment or extensive microscope modifications. While other techniques may provide better stability, especially for higher frequency drift, our method is easy to implement and widely applicable in terms of both sample type and microscopy technique.
Efficacy of SPI-1865, a novel gamma-secretase modulator, in multiple rodent models
Authors: Loureiro Robyn M , Dumin Jo Ann , McKee Timothy D , Austin Wesley F , Fuller Nathan O , Hubbs Jed L , Shen Ruichao , Jonker Jeff , Ives Jeff , Bronk Brian S , Tate Barbara
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Modulation of the gamma-secretase enzyme, which reduces the production of the amyloidogenic Aβ42 peptide while sparing the production of other Aβ species, is a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Satori has identified a unique class of small molecule gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) capable of decreasing Aβ42 levels in cellular and rodent model systems. The compound class exhibits potency in the nM range in vitro and is selective for lowering Aβ42 and Aβ38 while sparing Aβ40 and total Aβ levels. In vivo, a compound from the series, SPI-1865, demonstrates similar pharmacology in wild-type CD1 mice, Tg2576 mice and Sprague Dawley rats.

Methods

Animals were orally administered either a single dose of SPI-1865 or dosed for multiple days. Aβ levels were measured using a sensitive plate-based ELISA system (MSD) and brain and plasma exposure of drug were assessed by LC/MS/MS.

Results

In wild-type mice using either dosing regimen, brain Aβ42 and Aβ38 levels were decreased upon treatment with SPI-1865 and little to no statistically meaningful effect on Aβ40 was observed, reflecting the changes observed in vitro. In rats, brain Aβ levels were examined and similar to the mouse studies, brain Aβ42 and Aβ38 were lowered. Comparable changes were also observed in the Tg2576 mice, where Aβ levels were measured in brain as well as plasma and CSF.

Conclusions

Taken together, these data indicate that SPI-1865 is orally bioavailable, brain penetrant, and effective at lowering Aβ42 in a dose responsive manner. With this unique profile, the class of compounds represented by SPI-1865 may be a promising new therapy for Alzheimer's disease.
Gene-environment interaction between body mass index and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) gene in knee and hip osteoarthritis
Authors: Muthuri Stella G , Doherty Sally , Zhang Weiya , Maciewicz Rose A , Muir Kenneth R , Doherty Michael
Published: April 2013

Introduction

The objective was to investigate potential gene-environment interaction between body mass index (BMI) and each of eight TGFβ1 polymorphisms in knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We conducted a case-control study of Caucasian men and women aged 45 to 86 years from Nottingham, United Kingdom (Genetics of OA and Lifestyle (GOAL) study). Cases had clinically severe symptoms and radiographic knee or hip OA; controls had no symptoms and no radiographic knee/hip OA. We used logistic regression to investigate the association of TGFβ1 polymorphisms and OA when stratifying by BMI. Knee and hip OA were analyzed separately with adjustment for potential confounders. Additive and multiplicative interactions were examined.

Results

2,048 cases (1,042 knee OA, 1,006 hip OA) and 967 controls were studied. For hip OA, the highest risk was in overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) individuals with the variant allele of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800468 (odds ratio (OR) 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.55, 3.15). Evaluation of gene-environment interaction indicated significant synergetic interaction (relative excess risk due to interaction (RERI) = 0.93, synergy index (SI) = 4.33) with an attributable proportion due to interaction (AP) of 42% (AP = 0.42; 95% CI 0.16, 0.68). Multiplicative interaction was also significant (OR for interaction (ORINT) = 2.27, P = 0.015). For knee OA, the highest risk was in overweight individuals with homozygous genotype 11 of SNP rs2278422 (OR = 6.95, P <0.001). In contrast, the variant allele indicated slightly lower risks (OR = 4.72, P <0.001), a significant antagonistic interaction (RERI = -2.66, SI = 0.59), AP = -0.56 (95%CI -0.94, -0.17) and a significant multiplicative interaction (ORINT = 0.47, P = 0.013).

Conclusion

TGFβ1 gene polymorphisms interact with being overweight to influence the risk of large joint OA.
Shear stress modulates macrophage-induced urokinase plasminogen activator expression in human chondrocytes
Authors: Yeh Chih-Chang , Chang Shun-Fu , Huang Ting-Ying , Chang Hsin-I , Kuo Hsing-Chun , Wu Yi-Chien , Hsieh Ching-Hsiang , Shi Chung-Sheng , Chen Cheng-Nan
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Synovial macrophages, which can release proinflammatory factors, are responsible for the upregulation of cartilage-breakdown proteases and play critical roles in cartilage degradation during the progression of osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, shear stress exerts multifunctional effects on chondrocytes by inducing the synthesis of catabolic or anabolic genes. However, the interplay of macrophages, chondrocytes, and shear stress during the regulation of cartilage function remains poorly understood. We investigated the mechanisms underlying the modulation of human chondrocyte urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA) expression by macrophages and shear stress.

Methods

Human chondrocytes were stimulated by peripheral blood-macrophage- conditioned medium (PB-MCM), or exposure of chondrocytes cultured in PB-MCM to different levels of shear stress (2 to 20 dyn/cm2). Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze uPA gene expression. Inhibitors and small interfering RNA were used to investigate the mechanism for the effects of PB-MCM and shear stress in chondrocytes.

Results

Stimulation of human chondrocytes with PB-MCM was found to induce uPA expression. We demonstrated that activation of the JNK and Akt pathways and NF-κB are critical for PB-MCM-induced uPA expression. Blocking assays by using IL-1ra further demonstrated that IL-1β in PB-MCM is the major mediator of uPA expression in chondrocytes. PB-MCM-treated chondrocytes subjected to a lower level of shear stress showed inhibition of MCM-induced JNK and Akt phosphorylation, NF-κB activation, and uPA expression. The PB-MCM-induced uPA expression was suppressed by AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist. The inhibitor or siRNA for AMPK abolished the shear-mediated inhibition of uPA expression.

Conclusions

These data support the hypothesis that uPA upregulation stimulated by macrophages may play an active role in the onset of OA and in the shear-stress protection against this induction.
Association between digital dermatoglyphics and handedness among Sinhalese in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wijerathne Buddhika TB , Rathnayake Geetha K
Published: April 2013

BackgroundThe relationship between handedness and digital dermatoglyphic patterns has never been investigated in the Sinhalese population. The goal of this study is to establish the above mentioned relationship, which would positively aid personal identification. 

FindingsOne hundred Sinhalese students (50 right-handed and 50 left-handed) were studied for their digital dermatoglyphic pattern distribution. The results show that a statistically significant correlation exists for digit 3 (P=0.002, Fisher’s exact test) of the right hand and digit 1 (P=0.002, Fisher’s exact test) and digit 2 (P=0.021, Fisher’s exact test) of the left hand. Further, whorl patterns are more common in right-handed than left-handed Sinhalese students.

Conclusions Statistically significant differences in handedness and digital dermatoglyphic patterns were evident among Sinhalese people. Further study with a larger sample size is recommended.
Giant aneurysm of the basilar artery in an 86 year old woman
Authors: Yu Yong peng , Zhao Hong qin , Ren Wei feng , Chi Xiang lin
Published: April 2013

In this article we present an 80 year old female patient with an unruptured giant aneurysm of the basilar artery presenting with posterior circulation ischemic symptoms. Angiography and CT revealed giant basilar aneurysmal dilatation with severe and wide intracranial arteriosclerosis. We described the uniqueness of this case. Giant basilar aneurysm is associated with various complications particularly brain stem infarction. It is emphasized that arteriosclerosis plays an important role in the formation of giant basilar aneurysms.
ABOUT THE NEW STATE POLICY IN THE SPHERE OF MANAGEMENT OF INTELLECTUAL RESOURCES
Authors: Леонтьев  , Leontev Boris
Published: April 2013

Innovative economy, or economy of knowledge, develops today in many countries. Most extensively, quickly and qualitatively this development happens in the presence of the intellectual property which is essentially changing the quality of economy, key organizational forms, leading technologies and the essence of market relations. Creation of eff ective national innovative system, which is capable «to switch on national brains» actively and extensively in economic turn and to increase steadily the budget income from high technologies, in essential measure depends on existence at the state level of high-quality strategy in the sphere of intellectual property.
ADMINISTRATIVE EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT: APPROACHES AND PROSPECTS
Authors: Козбаненко  , Kozbanenko Viktor
Published: April 2013

Article is prepared on the basis of the report at All-Russia scientific and methodical conference “Evolution of management and the future of administrative education”, that took place on April 25, 2012 within annual meeting of Educational and methodical association of Russia higher education institutions in the management area.
EXPERIMENT OF RUSSIAN COMPANIES ON DEVELOPMENT AND USE OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND COMPETENCE MODELS IN COMPARISON WIT
Authors: Белков  , Belkov Boris
Published: April 2013

Article is devoted to problems of creation in Russia the modern market of qualifi cations and competences, which off ers suffi cient number of specialists needed for Russian companies.
SYSTEM OF MANAGERIAL HUMAN RESOURCES SELECTION ON THE BASIS OF COMPETENCY BUILDING APPROACH (REGIONAL EXPERIENCE)
Authors: Чуланова  , Chulanova Oksana , Квиндт
Published: April 2013

Basic provisions of resource concept are presented in this article. The personnel are considered as a strategic resource of organizations which introduce a personnel management system focused on development of personnel’s competences. Results of implementation of competence model and technology of managerial human resources selection on the basis of competency building approach in the branch of OJSC «Federal Grid Company of Unifi ed Energy System» — Trunk Power Grids Western Siberia are presented.
LECTURES ON DISCIPLINE “MOTIVATION AND STIMULATION OF LABOUR ACTIVITY” (part 3)
Authors: Кибанов  , Kibanov Ardalon
Published: April 2013

This article continues the abstract of lectures on discipline ‘Motivation and stimulation of labor activity’ according to the bachelors preparation program.
‘I Could’ve Been Raskolnikov’: Punk reads Dostoevsky
Authors: Schill Brian James
Published: April 2013

If humankind truly is 'born a rebel', as his Grand Inquisitor declares, perhaps no author's body of literature is more appropriate to read in the context of punk and postpunk than Fyodor Dostoevsky, whose Notes from Underground alone has been appropriated countless times by those who
consider themselves members of this specific popular music subculture, Pussy Riot aside. Beyond Notes, however, much of Dostoevsky's thought seems to have found a home in punk culture, the intellectual predilections of which are well-documented. With assistance from M. M. Bakhtin and psychoanalysis,
then, this article explores a trio of scenarios in detail to show how and to what effect Dostoevsky has emerged in punk historically: first, as an attempt to grapple with punks' shame in Being; second, as a touchstone for the often crippling 'intensified consciousness' this shame produces;
finally, and following The Brothers Karamazov, as a way of approaching the killing of all manner of master signifiers or 'fathers' who generate, even in absence, this shame and paralysis.
Thermally Stable Two-Dimensional Photonic Crystal for Selective Emitters
Authors: Lee Heon J. , Bathurst Stephen P. , Kim Sang-Gook
Published: April 2013

A fundamental challenge in solar-thermal-electrical energy conversion is the thermal stability of materials and devices at high operational temperatures. This study focuses on the thermal stability of selective emitters for solar thermophotovoltaic (STPV) systems to enhance the conversion efficiency. 2-D photonic crystals are periodic micro/nano-scale structures that are designed to affect the motion of photons at certain wavelengths. The structured patterns, however, lose their structural integrity at high temperature, which disrupts the tight tolerances required for spectral control of the thermal emitters. Through analytical studies and experimental observations, the four major mechanisms of thermal degradation of 2-D photonic crystal are identified: oxidation, grain growth and re-crystallization, surface diffusion, and evaporation and re-condensation. In this work, the design of a flat surface photonic crystal (FSPC) is proposed and experimental validations are performed.
Facile Synthesis and Effect of Eu, Tb Co-doping On the Tunable Luminescent Properties of YBO3
Authors: Zhang Xianwen , Marathe Archis , Sohal Sandeep , Holtz Mark , Davis Marauo , Hope-Weeks Louisa J. , Chaudhuri Jharna
Published: April 2013

Eu3+/Tb3+co-doped YBO3 three-dimensional (3D) microstructures have been hydrothermally prepared by adjusting solvent and the molar ratio of Y3+ to B (Y/B) at 180 °C. The whole process was carried out under alkaline conditions without the use of any surfactant or catalyst. Characterizations of the samples are carried out using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The photoluminescence (PL) colors of YBO3 sample co-doped with Eu3+ and Tb3+ under ultraviolet excitation can be tuned from red, through yellow and green-yellow, to green by changing the relative doping concentrations of the two activator ions. These phosphors with multicolor emissions in the visible region be potentially used as labels for light-display systems, optoelectronic devices and biological molecules.
Plasmonic Enhancement of Optical Absorption of UV Radiation in ZnO Thin Film Based Ultraviolet Photodetectors
Authors: Rajan Akshta , Paliwal Ayushi , Gupta Vinay , Tomar Monika
Published: April 2013

Ultraviolet (UV) photoconductivity in pure ZnO thin films and metal (Ag, Au, Pt) nanoparticles (NPs) dispersed on ZnO thin films based UV photodetectors biased at 5 V for ultra violet radiation of λ = 365 nm and intensity = 24 µwatt/cm2 has been studied. All the three metal (Ag, Au, Pt) NPs synthesized by Polyol process when dispersed on the surface of 100 nm thin ZnO film results in enhanced photoconductive gain (K) in comparison to pure ZnO (3.1×103). An increase of about an order in K has been obtained in the case of Ag NPs/ZnO and Au NPs/ZnO UV photodetectors ( K = 6.9×104 and 5.3×104 respectively). On the other hand, Pt NPs enhance K by about two orders (5.0×105). Such an enhanced photoconductive gain has been achieved due to the lowering of dark current after dispersing the metal NPs on the surface of ZnO and increased photocurrent upon UV illumination. This may be attributed to the plasmon propagating property in metal NPs which enhances the light trapping through optical absorption in ZnO thin film surface (high photo current).
Surface Sensitive Spectroscopy Study of Ion Beam Irradiation Induced Structural Modifications in Borosilicate Glasses
Authors: Gandy Amy S. , Stennett Martin C. , Hyatt Neil C.
Published: April 2013

Fe K edge X-ray absorption (XAS) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FT-IR) spectroscopies have been used to study potential structural modifications in sodium borosilicate glasses as a consequence of Kr+ irradiation. Glasses were doped with simulant waste elements and irradiated at room temperature with 450 keV Kr+ ions to a fluence of 2x1015 Kr+ ions cm-1. According to SRIM calculations, a damaged surface region approximately 400nm wide was produced. In order to probe only the damaged surface layer, XAS measurements were taken in total electron yield mode and FT-IR spectroscopy was conducted in reflectance off the glass surface. No change in Fe valence state was detected by XAS following irradiation. Reflectance FT-IR data revealed a shift to higher wavenumbers in the absorption bands located between 850 and 1100 cm-1 in the doped glasses, corresponding to bond stretching in the silicate network. Deconvolution of FT-IR spectra revealed the shift was due to polymerisation of the silicate network. Network connectivity was found to decrease in the un-doped glass, following irradiation. The results suggest an increase in silicate network connectivity by a cation mediated process, and demonstrates the successful application of surface sensitive XAS and FT-IR to the investigation of ion beam induced damage in amorphous materials.
Group III-Nitride Based Electronic and Optoelectronic Integrated Circuits for Smart Lighting Applications
Authors: Justice J. , Kadiyala A. , Dawson J. , Korakakis D.
Published: April 2013

With general lighting applications being responsible for over 20% of the energy consumption in the United States, advances in solid-state lighting have the potential for considerable energy and cost savings. The United States Department of Energy predicts that the increased use of solid state lighting will result in a 46% lighting consumption energy savings by the year 2030. Smart lighting systems have the potential for reducing energy costs while also providing a means for short distance data transmission via free space optics. The group III-nitride (III-N) family of materials, including aluminum nitride (AlN), gallium nitride (GaN), indium nitride (InN), their binary and ternary alloys, are uniquely situated to provide light emitting diodes (LEDs) across the full visible spectrum, photodetectors (PDs) and high power, high speed transistors. In this work, aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN) / GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) and indium gallium nitride (InGaN) photodiodes (PDs) are fabricated and characterized. HEMTs and LEDs (or PDs) are grown on the same substrate for the purpose of creating electronic and optoelectronic integrated circuits.
Influence of Momentary Annealing on the Nanoscale Surface Morphology of Room Temperature Pulsed Laser Deposited NiO(111) Epitaxial Thin Films on Atomically Stepped Sapphire (0001) Substrates
Authors: Yamauchi Ryosuke , Tan Geng , Shiojiri Daishi , Tsuchimine Nobuo , Koyama Koji , Kaneko Satoru , Matsuda Akifumi , Yoshimoto Mamoru
Published: April 2013

We examined the influence of momentary annealing on the nanoscale surface morphology of NiO(111) epitaxial thin films deposited on atomically stepped sapphire (0001) substrates at room temperature in O2 at 1.3 × 10−3 and 1.3 × 10−6 Pa using a pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The NiO films have atomically flat surfaces (RMS roughness: approximately 0.1–0.2 nm) reflecting the step-and-terrace structures of the substrates, regardless of the O2 deposition pressure. After rapid thermal annealing (RTA) of the NiO(111) epitaxial film deposited at 1.3 × 10−3 Pa O2, a periodic straight nanogroove array related to the atomic steps of the substrate was formed on the film surface for 60 s. In contrast, the fabrication of a transient state in the nanogroove array formation was achieved with RTA of less than 1 s. However, when the O2 atmosphere during PLD was 1.3 × 10−6 Pa, random crystal growth was observed and resulted in a disordered rough surface nanostructure after RTA.
Surface States Influence in Al Schottky Barrier of Ge Nanowires
Authors: Kamimura Hanay , Simon Ricardo A. , Berengue Olivia M. , Amorim Cleber A. , Chiquito Adenilson J. , Leite Edson R.
Published: April 2013

Aiming the understanding of how the application to devices is affected by the presence of oxygen in semiconductor nanostructures, Al/Ge-nanowires Schottky devices were fabricated without any previous treatment to remove the native oxide from nanowires' surface, originated during the growth process. Electronic transport properties of these devices were investigated and it was observed that interface states originated from the disordered oxide layer effectively pinned the Fermi level at the Ge surface, affecting Schottky barriers. Numerical calculations were made to complement this study agreeing with experiments.
Ultrafast Photostriction in Thin Film Bismuth Ferrite and its Correlation to Electronic Dynamics
Authors: Li Yuelin , Wen Haidan , Chen Pice , Cosgriff Margaret P. , Walko Donald , Lee June Hyuk , Adamo Carolina , Schaller Richard , Rowland Clare , Schlepuetz Christian , Dufresne Eric , Zhang Qingteng , Giles Carlos , Schlom Darrell , Freeland John , Evans Paul
Published: April 2013

A series of laser pump, x-ray probe experiments show that above band gap photoexcitation can generate a large out-of-plane strain in multiferroic BiFeO3 thin films. The strain decays in a time scale that is the same as the photo-induced carriers measured in an optical transient absorption spectroscopy experiment. We attribute the strain to the piezoelectric effect due to screening of the depolarization field by laser induced carriers. A strong film thickness dependence of strain and carrier relaxation is also observed, revealing the role of the carrier transport in determining the structural and carrier dynamics in complex oxide thin films.
Synthetic Polyampholytes Based Cryoprotective Agents by Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer Polymerisation
Authors: Rajan Robin , Matsumura Kazuaki
Published: April 2013

Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and several naturally occurring polyols or their derivatives (like glycerol) have been used as cryoprotective agents (CPAs) for many years. However DMSO shows high cytotoxicity and affects differentiation of cells, so it needs to be removed immediately after thawing, whereas polyols are comparatively weaker cryoprotective agents. Furthermore, some types of cells are extremely sensitive to damage during freezing and thawing, so cannot be cryopreserved properly using current CPAs. So there is a great need to develop newer cryoprotective agents with lower cytotoxicity and high efficiency for many biological and medical purposes.

Recently we showed that carboxylated poly-L-lysine, which is classified as a polyampholyte, has a cryoprotective effect on cells in solution without any other cryoprotectant. Polyampholytes are charged polymers with both positively and negatively charged groups.

Therefore, in this research, we are developing a completely synthetic polyampholytes by radical polymerization and will try to elucidate the key parameters of cryoprotective properties. Here we chose reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization as the mode of polymerization as it is a kind of living polymerization method and can give control over the molecular weight and composition of the copolymer. We evaluated the livingness of the 1:1 copolymer with methacrylic acid (MAA) and 2-Dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) with 2-(Dodecylthiocarbonothioylthio)-2-methylpropionic acid as the RAFT agent and the polymer solution showed good cell viability of L929 cells after cryopreservation at 15% copolymer concentration.
Síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal: relato de 4 casos e revisão da literatura
Authors: Lemmi Octavio , Lima José Geraldo Camargo , Medeiros Milton , Pimentel Pedro Camilo de A.
Published: April 2013

São relatados 4 casos de síndrome de Melkersson-Rosenthal nos quais tanto o edema predominante nos lábios como a paralisia facial periférica ocorreram por surtos. Nos 4 casos havia língua plicata sendo que, em dois deles, este componente era familiar. É realçado o fato de ser a paralisia facial geralmente o primeiro sinal, bem como a possibilidade dessa síndrome ser iniciada nos primeiros anos de vida.
Síndrome de Dandy-walker
Authors: Costa Jaderson Costa da , Anicet Adão , Coutinho Mario Ferreira
Published: April 2013

São relatados os casos de 4 pacientes com síndrome de Dandy-Walker diagnosticada pela pneumencefalografia fracionada e ventriculografia. O tratamento e a patogenia desta malformação são discutidos com base em dados embriológicos.
Neurocitoma no sistema nervoso central
Authors: Severo José Torquato , Coutinho Lígia Maria B. , Teixeira Luiz Carlos , Coutinho Mario Ferreira , Anicet Adão
Published: April 2013

É relatado o caso de uma paciente com 6 anos de idade, hospitalizada com síndrome de hipertensão intracraniana. Após o exame neuro-radiológico que evidenciou processo expansivo frontal direito, a paciente foi submetida à cirurgia, durante a qual ocorreu o óbito. O exame histo-patológico do material retirado durante o ato operatório, permitiu o diagnóstico de neurocitoma, tumor raro no sistema nervoso central.
Meningite eosinofílica e eosinofilia sanguínea de origem parasitária
Authors: Wittig Ehrenfried O. , Cat Izrail , Marinoni Leide P.
Published: April 2013

É relatado o caso de um menino de 12 meses de idade que apresentava febre, rigidez de nuca e hepatoesplenomgalia e que, em dois exames sucessivos, apresentou eosinofilia sangüínea de 72% e 75% e liquórica de 75% e 78%, respectivamente. A biópsia hepática mostrou um granuloma eosinofílico. Embora a criança apresentasse grande infestação por Ascaris lumbricoides, os autores admitem que o quadro clínico apresentado possa ter sido determinado por larvas de Toxocara canis, apesar do parasita não ter sido encontrado.
Observações clínicas e eletrencefalográficas em 16 pacientes com panencefalite esclerosante subaguda
Authors: Teixeira José Leonardo C. , Kliemann Frederico A. Dahne
Published: April 2013

Os autores estudam 16 casos de PEES, diagnosticados entre 10.000 pacientes cujo EEG foi realizado entre agosto de 1966 e fevereiro de 1972, nos serviços de EEG da Faculdade Católica de Medicina de Porto Alegre e do Instituto de Neurocirurgia de Porto Alegre. O diagnóstico foi feito pela presença, durante longos períodos de evolução da doença, de mioclonias periódicas associadas aos complexos eletrencefalográficos e deterioração psíquica e motora. Os casos foram estudados sob os pontos de vista clínico, liquórico e eletrencefalográfico. Nos traçados foram analisadas as características dos complexos, das atividades de base e alterações focais independentes dos complexos durante a evolução da moléstia.
Eletrencefalograma na síndrome parkinsoniana
Authors: Lima José Geraldo Camargo , Pimentel Pedro Camilo A. , Silva Ademir Baptista da , Nóbrega João Antonio M.
Published: April 2013

Foram estudados os eletrencefalogramas de 50 pacientes parkinsonianos livres de qualquer antecedente convulsivo, sendo registrados traçados anormais em 40% dos casos. A incidência de traçados anormais foi maior na síndrome parkinsoniana bilateral do que na unilateral (52% e 25%, respectivamente). Entre as anormalidades assinaladas foram as paroxísticas as mais freqüentes (65% dos casos), caracterizando-se predominantemente por surtos de ondas teta. O registro de anormalidades paroxísticas do tipo irritativo encontrado em três casos é salientado. Alterações da atividade de base foram assinaladas em 35% dos pacientes. A idade dos pacientes não parece ter tido importante papel na gênese das anormalidades eletrencefalográficas.
Ação indesejável de terapêutica antiepiléptica em paciente com epilepsia e descargas focais de "maturação"
Authors: Speciali José Geraldo , Lison Michel Pierre
Published: April 2013

É relatada a incidência de epilepsia não convulsiva com características eletrencefalográficas de síndrome de Lennox em paciente de 4 anos de idade tratada com difenilhidantoina. A criança, ao iniciar o tratamento, era acometida por epilepsia convulsiva com atividades paroxísticas focais múltiplas no eletrencefalograma. Com base na observação de formas de transição entre epilepsias benignas e graves da infancia destacou-se o papel da terapêutica no estabelecimento de epilepsia iatrogênica com características malignas.
Agravamento de epilepsias sob tratamento
Authors: Lison Michel Pierre , Speciali José Geraldo
Published: April 2013

Foram selecionadas 5 crianças que desenvolveram forma grave de epilepsia durante tratamento antiepiléptico. Destas, três apresentaram síndrome de Lennox irreversível. Todas estavam medicadas com a associação fenobarbitaldifenilhidantoina por ocasião do agravamento. As características clínicas e eletrencefalográficas dos pacientes no início da piora são compatíveis com a instalação de distúrbio epiléptico de sentido oposto aos geralmente beneficiados pelas drogas utilisadas. As características malignas das novas formas de epilepsia estão provavelmente na dependência de agressões cerebrais pregressas, orgânicas e/ou funcionais.
Síndrome de West evoluindo para síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut em paciente com cisticercose cerebral
Authors: Frochtengarten Mario Luiz , Scarante Ozir
Published: April 2013

Os autores relatam a evolução clínico-laboratorial do caso de uma criança que, aos 18 meses de idade, apresentou uma síndrome de West de instalação gradativa, evoluindo ulteriormente para uma síndrome de Lennox-Gastaut, causadas por cisticercose cerebral, etiologia ainda não registrada em nenhum dos quadros.
Tratamento dos aneurismas do sistema da artéria cerebral anterior
Authors: Cademartori S. , Ferreira Nelson Pires , Wainer Felipe , Wagner Roberto
Published: April 2013

Os autores analisam a evolução do tratamento cirúrgico de aneurismas do sistema da artéria cerebral anterior no Instituto de Neurocirurgia de Porto Alegre, de 1960 a junho de 1972. Foram operados 63 pacientes, dos quais 41 por ataque direto. Consideram que o estudo angiográfico só deve ser feito em pacientes em condições clínicas satisfatórias ou estabilizadas. Descrevem pormenorisadamente a técnica cirúrgica preconisada em 1967 por um dos autores e o método de tratar tais aneurismas desde então. Apresentam quadros demonstrativos dos resultados obtidos em épocas sucessivas e os resultados globais alcançados. Acreditam que as técnicas atuais de tratamento serão favorecidas pela microcirurgia, mas uma via de acesso simples será sempre um fator favorável.
Tolerância a agente curarizante provocada pela administração repetida da droga
Authors: Zanini Antonio Carlos , Slemer Octavio , Fernandes José Edmilson
Published: April 2013

Baseados em teoria discutível segundo a qual a miastenia grave é provocada pela presença no sangue de substância curarizante liberada pelo timo, tentou-se reproduzir um modelo experimental. Foram utilizados 40 ratos, criados nas mesmas condições, nascidos no mesmo dia, pesando ao redor de 350 g e divididos em 4 grupos: o Grupo I não foi manuseado; no Grupo II foi injetada solução fisiológica, 1 ml i.p. durante 6 semanas; no Grupo III foi injetada a dimetil tubocurarina (DMT) 2,8 mcg/kg i.p., durante o mesmo tempo; no Grupo IV 14 mcg/kg da mesma droga foram injetados i.p. Uma semana após a última injeção i.p. os ratos, anestesiados, foram preparados para registro neuromuscular. O nervo ciático foi estimulado nas freqüências de 0,33 pulsos/seg, 70 pulsos/seg (séries de 10 pulsos a intervalos de 3 seg), 70 pulsos/seg (mantidos por 15 seg) e novamente 0,33 pulsos/seg logo após a tetanização. A dose curarizante de DMT foi determinada por uma "terceira parte cega" quando 80% do bloqueio era alcançado. Quando apenas 10 estímulos em alta freqüência foram aplicados ao nervo, foi observada diferença significativa (p<0.05) na resposta: Grupo I, 46,50 ± 20,00 g+; Grupo II, 55,25 ± 11,33 g+; Grupo III, 37,25 ± 10,77 g+; Grupo IV 37,00 ± 12,74 g+. Diferenças significantes de força muscular foram também observadas após a tetanização mantida: Grupo I, 79,00 ± 16,21 g+; Grupo II, 76,75 ± 15,23 g+; Grupo III, 59,12 ± 17,38 g+; Grupo IV, 61,62 ± 14,74 g. Doses significamente mais altas de curare i.v. foram necessárias no grupo injetado diariamente com a maior dose de curare do que em qualquer dos outros grupos (p < 0,01): Grupo I, 3,62 ± 1,17 mcg/kg; Grupo II, 3,69 ± 1,21 mcg/kg; Grupo III, 4,01 ± 0,80 mcg/kg; Grupo IV, 5,48 ± 1,40 mcg/kg. Tais resultados mostram que a administração crônica do curare leva ao enfraquecimento físico e hiposensibilidade à droga. Isto sugere que embora a existência de substância curarizante no sangue humano possa realmente contribuir para a fraqueza muscular do paciente miastênico, o curare sangüíneo não tem importância fundamental na patogênese da síndrome, pois o miastênico é altamente sensível à injeção de qualquer substância curarizante.
Pneumocéfalo pós-traumático
Authors: Cademartori Mario S.
Published: April 2013

O autor apresenta três casos de pneumatocele intracerebral pós-traumático, revisando os principais sintomas desta complicação. Faz uma análise das hipóteses admitidas como determinantes e formadoras das aeroceles a partir do traumatismo craniano. Concorda com o mecanismo valvular admitido para os pacientes com fístula do líquido cefalorraqueano, mas julga que esse mecanismo é insuficiente para explicar os casos em que não haja fístula. Existindo solução de continuidade ósteo-meníngea e a pressão intracraniana se tornando negativa periodicamente, ficam estabelecidas condições para que o ar atmosférico entre em contato com o tecido nervoso. As pulsações do conteúdo intracraniano exercendo um mecanismo valvulado retem temporariamente pequenas porções de ar. Este aquecido sofre dilatação, expansão e aumento de pressão, e, devido ao mesmo mecanismo valvulado, ocorrerá uma troca parcial do ar interno com o externo. A repetição deste processo leva a retenção de volumes crescentes de ar, em estágios de pressão sempre mais elevadas. Quando a pressão exercida sobre o sistema vascular determinar o colapso do mesmo, o tecido nervoso sofrendo isquemia, entrará em necrose e atrofia. Esta se faz de preferência na substância branca por ser a mais frágil e não contar com a trama conjuntiva e riqueza de vasos da substância cinzenta. Esta situação tem caráter evolutivo e explicaria a formação das pneumatoceles na ausência de fístula de líquido cefalorraqueano.
Nova possibilidade cirúrgica na terapêutica das fístulas liquóricas
Authors: Ferreira Nelson Pires
Published: April 2013

O autor descreve uma nova possibilidade cirúrgica para o tratamento das fístulas liquóricas por patologia de base do crânio. Consiste na derivação do líquido cefalorraqueano, por meio de cateter, do fundo de saco durai lombar para a musculatura paravertebral, no mesmo nível. A cura da fístula liquórica nos cinco pacientes em que foi utilizada, autoriza a recomendação do seu uso.
Myopathy associated with pigmentary degeneration of the retina and high protein content of cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Levy José Antonio , Scaff Milberto , Tsanaclis Ana Maria C. , Rodrigues Vanderlei Garcia , Lusvarghi Edgard Silva
Published: April 2013

The cases of two brothers suffering from a myopathy associated with pigmentary degeneration of the retina and increase of protein content of the cerebrospinal fluid are reported.
Distrofia miotônica: aspectos clínico-laboratoriais em 19 casos
Authors: Scaff Milberto , Tsanaclis Ana Maria C. , Levy José Antonio
Published: April 2013

São relatados os casos de 19 pacientes com distrofia miotônica. São discutidos alguns aspectos clínicos e para-clínicos da doença: eletroforese e imunoeletroforese de proteínas do sôro, eletrocardiograma, eletrencefalograma, radiografia de crânio e pneumencefalograma. Os resultados apresentados foram comparados àqueles da literatura.
Citomorfologia do líquido cefalorraqueano do recém-nascido normal
Authors: Livramento J. A. , Luz Bertha R. da , Haussen S. R. , Spina-França A.
Published: April 2013

Foi estudado o perfil citológico do LCR de 21 recém-nascidos normais com 2 ou 7 dias de idade, os preparados tendo sido obtidos mediante sedimentação gravitacional acelerada. Para citometria normal (até 12 leuecocitos e até 600 hemácias por mm³), o perfil citológico era constituído de: linfocitos (11 a 59%), reticulomonocitos (41 a 78%), polinucleares neutrófilos (0 a 17%), células eosinófilas (0 a 2%); macrófagos (0 a 10%). Em média, as seguintes percentagens representam o perfil: linfocitos 34,6; reticulomonocitos 60,4; polinucleares neutrófilos 2,9; células eosinófilas 0,2; macrófagos 1,9. Podem ser observados também agrupamentos celulares: de células ependimárias possivelmente do revestimento corióideo; de células reticulares indiferenciadas, possivelmente da aracnóide.
Abscessos cerebelares: considerações a propósito de 4 casos em crianças
Authors: Plese José Pindaro P. , Pereira Walter Carlos , Reed Umbertina C. , Lefèvre Antonio B.
Published: April 2013

São apresentados 4 casos de abscesso cerebelar em pacientes de até 10 anos de idade, sendo discutidos alguns de seus apectos diagnóticos, etiopatogênicos e terapêuticos. A apresentação destes casos é justificada pela raridade com que esta entidade é registrada na literatura.
Hidrocéfalo com pressão normal e neurocisticercose: estudo de 3 casos
Authors: Scaff Milberto , Tsanaclis Ana M. C. , Spina-França A.
Published: April 2013

Registro de três casos de hidrocéfalo com pressão normal cuja etiopatogenia estava na dependência da reação inflamatória do sistema continente do líquido cefalorraqueano própria à neurocisticercose. Os aspectos clínicos, do líquido cefalorraqueano, da cintilografia isotópica, do pneumencefalograma são discutidos. Após a derivação ventrículo-jugular efetuada, houve melhora do quadro clínico próprio à síndrome de hidrocéfalo com pressão normal nos três casos. Trata-se do primeiro estudo em que a síndrome é descrita na dependência da neurocisticercose.
Ensaio com sulpiride em esquizofrênicos hospitalizados
Authors: Martins Clóvis , Neves Darlan F. , Gama Gabriel A. S. , Gavioli Hilton R. , Carvalho Imeuda M. A. , Amaral Marco Antonio N. , Vieira Nelson C. , Oliveira Ronaldo B. , Leal Wilma G. , Assis Luís M.
Published: April 2013

Um ensaio terapêutico é feito com sulpiride, substância psicotrópica dada como muito ativa e cujas propriedades permitem enquadrá-la entre os neurolépticos e os timoanalépticos. Foram tratados 24 pacientes internados, com idades que variavam entre 17 e 48 anos, de ambos os sexos (17 masculinos e 7 femininos), todos com o diagnóstico clínico de esquizofrenia e internados em hospital psiquiátrico. O tempo de doença variava de 30 dias a 18 anos. O sulpiride foi aplicado em doses diárias em torno de 1200 mg, predominantemente por via oral. O tratamento durou em média 6 semanas permanecendo a maioria dos casos em observação por alguns meses, sob tratamento de manutenção. Os resultados foram em geral favoráveis, principalmente no que tange aos fenômenos psicóticos sensoperceptivos e delirantes. Não foram assinalados efeitos colaterais ou manifestações colaterais molestas.
Manejos de cobertura, mecanismos sulcadores e velocidades de operação sobre a semeadura direta da cultura do milho
Authors: Trogello Emerson , Modolo Alcir José , Scarsi Marina , Dallacort Rivanildo
Published: April 2013

A palhada de cobertura residual representa o grande diferencial do sistema de semeadura direta, propiciando melhorias nas condições biológicas, químicas e físicas do solo, em contrapartida esta matéria seca residual pode implicar em dificuldades no processo de semeadura, necessitando por vezes de um manejo deste resíduo. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento e produtividade da cultura do milho submetido a diferentes métodos de manejo de palhada, mecanismos sulcadores e velocidades de operação. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos ao acaso com parcelas subsubdivididas, composto por 16 tratamentos e quatro repetições, totalizando 64 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos foram compostos pela combinação entre quatro manejos de palhada (palha gradeada, rolada, triturada e dessecada), dois mecanismos sulcadores (disco duplo e haste sulcadora) e duas velocidades de semeadura (4,5 e 7,0 km h-1). Avaliou-se a profundidade de deposição de sementes, área de solo mobilizada, uniformidade de distribuição de sementes, estande inicial de plantas, número de fileiras por espiga, número de grãos por fileira, massa de mil grãos e produtividade da cultura. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos às análises de variância e havendo diferenças significativas, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey, a 5% de significância. A velocidade de operação de 7,0 km h-1 apresentou valores de espaçamentos falhos e duplos mais elevados. Os tratamentos empregados não influenciaram os componentes de rendimento da cultura, bem como não se observou diferenças significativas para a produtividade média da cultura de milho.
Immunodiagnostic confirmation of hydatid disease in patients with a presumptive diagnosis of infection
Authors: Varela-diaz V. M. , Coltorti E. A.
Published: April 2013

Information obtained from the routine application of hydatid immunodiagnostic techniques in different clinical situations over a seven-year period is presented. The Immunoelectrophoresis test was used until it was replaced by the simpler, more sensitive and equally specific arc 5 double diffusion (DD5) test. Examination of sera from 1,888 patients with signs and/or symptoms compatible with hydatid disease revealed that the presurgical confirmation of Echinococcus granulosus infection is only obtained by detection of anti-antigen 5 antibodies. The latter were not found in 1,539 presumptive hydatidosis patients whose definitive diagnoses corresponded to other disease conditions. However, false positive latex agglutination test results were obtained in two cases. In all patients whose preoperative serum showed three or more uncharacteristic bands in the absence of anti-antigen 5 antibodies, hydatid cysts were found sur gically. DD5 testing of a fluid sample collected by puncture established its hydatid etiology. Post-operative monitoring of hydatidosis patients demonstrated that persistence of DD5-positivity two years after surgery established the presence of other cysts. Further evidence was obtained in patients with hydatid cysts in intrathoracic, abdominal or other locations associating cyst membrane integrity, antigen release and immunodiagnostic test positivity.
Prevalência de infecção chagásica em necrópsias no tringulo mineiro
Authors: Lopes Edison Reis , Moraes César Augusto De , Chapadeiro Edmundo , Mineo José Roberto , Leite Luis Cristiano , Guimarães Aparecida Helena Baldo , Rocha Ademir , Gava Marília
Published: April 2013

Analisou-se a prevalência da infecção chagásica em 2690 necrópsias realizadas no Triângulo Mineiro. Os resultados indicaram que 38,84% dos necropsiados eram chagásicos e que não houve declínio da infecção nos últimos anos. Discutiu-se tais resultados, comparando-os com os de outros Autores que analisaram a questão.
Resposta dos plasmódios humanos aos antimaláricos na ilha de São Luís, estado do Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Silva A. Rafael Da , Carneiro Ernane Wilson Bezerra , Santos Henrique Jorge Dos
Published: April 2013

Os Autores estudaram a resposta dos plasmódios humanos "in vivo" aos antimaláricos na Ilha de São Luís, Estado do Maranhão, Brasil, durante os anos de 1981 e 1982. No tratamento de malária por P. falciparum definem o atual estado da resistência à cloroquina (25,9%) e a associação sulfamídicos e pirimetamina (16%). Quanto ao tratamento da malária por P. vivax, obtém índices de cura de 94,4% e 96% respectivamente, para dois esquemas testados. Finalmente, proclamam a utilização da associação cloroquina, primaquina e pirimetamina, em três dias, como o tratamento mais eficaz e de menor custo. Também a associação sulfamídicos e pirimetamina e a quinina ainda como drogas alternativas para tratamento do P. falciparum resistente dos 4-amino-quinoleínicos.
A relação entre valores, práticas organizacionais e confiança de clientes no setor de serviços
Authors: Guardani Fátima , Teixeira Maria Luisa Mendes , Bido Diógenes de Souza , Mazzon José Afonso
Published: April 2013

Os valores pessoais influenciam o comportamento dos indivíduos e os valores organizacionais influenciam o desenvolvimento de práticas organizacionais. Contudo, não se observou estudo relacionando esses constructos com a confiança de clientes. Neste trabalho analisou-se, sob a perspectiva de clientes de empresas do setor de serviços, a relação entre os valores organizacionais percebidos, as práticas percebidas e a confiança nas organizações. Após uma pesquisa qualitativa, elaborou-se uma escala de práticas organizacionais percebidas. Procedeu-se à adaptação de uma escala de valores organizacionais e de outra referente à confiança. O teste do modelo relativo ao relacionamento entre os construtos foi feito com base em um Survey junto a uma amostra de clientes. Utilizou-se no processamento dos dados o software Lisrel 8.7. Os resultados mostraram que os valores organizacionais percebidos correlacionam-se positivamente com as práticas e que ambos os constructos correlacionam-se positiva e significativamente com a confiança dos clientes.