bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescents' Perceptions of Smoking and Stress Reduction
Authors: Scales Monica B. , Monahan Jennifer L. , Rhodes Nancy , Roskos-Ewoldsen David , Johnson-Turbes Ashani
Published: May 2008

The present study examined how adolescents perceive the relationship between smoking and stress and where they learn that smoking cigarettes may be an effective stress-reduction mechanism. Eight focus groups were conducted with low-income African American and European American 14- to 16-year-olds in urban and rural locations, in which they suggested that the primary reasons why they smoked—namely, as a coping mechanism (to calm nerves), for social acceptance, and because of environmental influences. Family issues, boyfriend/girlfriend problems, and school were common stressors. Although participants overwhelmingly believed that people smoke to reduce their stress, a few believed that cigarettes do not actually reduce stress. When asked for examples of smoking in popular media, teens predominantly generated examples of individuals smoking to reduce stress. Ethnic and gender differences were found among the types of media in which they had seen smoking, their opinions of anti-smoking messages, and the media's perceived influence.
Pivotal Advance: IgE accelerates in vitro development of mast cells and modifies their phenotype
Authors: Kashiwakura Jun-ichi , Xiao Wenbin , Kitaura Jiro , Kawakami Yuko , Maeda-Yamamoto Mari , Pfeiffer Janet R , Wilson Bridget S , Blank Ulrich , Kawakami Toshiaki
Published: May 2008

Antigen-dependent activation of IgE-bound mast cells is critical for immediate hypersensitivity and other allergic disorders. Recent studies have revealed the effects of monomeric IgEs on mast cell survival and activation. Furthermore, IgE molecules exhibit a wide range of heterogeneity in the ability to induce mast cell activation in the absence of antigen. Highly cytokinergic (HC) IgEs can induce a variety of activation events including cell survival, degranulation, cytokine production, and migration, whereas poorly cytokinergic (PC) IgEs can do so inefficiently. Here, we show that culture of bone marrow cells in the presence of monomeric IgEs results in an increased number of mast cells compared with cultures grown without IgE. Furthermore, time in culture required to generate ≥80% pure mast cells is decreased. IgE molecules can directly influence mast cell progenitors to differentiate into mast cells. mRNA expression of several mast cell proteases and mast cell-related transcription factors is higher in mast cells cultured with an HC IgE than those cultured with a PC IgE or without IgE. Expression of early growth response factor-1, a transcription factor that is involved in the production of TNF-α in mast cells, is enhanced in cultures containing high and low concentrations of HC IgE and a high concentration of PC IgE. Consistent with this, expression of TNF-α is higher in mast cells cultured with HC IgE than PC IgE. Therefore, our results suggest that monomeric IgEs, especially HC IgEs, not only promote mast cell development but also modulate the mast cell phenotype.
The Unfolded Protein Response: A Pathway That Links Insulin Demand with β-Cell Failure and Diabetes
Authors: Scheuner Donalyn , Kaufman Randal J.
Published: May 2008

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the entry site into the secretory pathway for newly synthesized proteins destined for the cell surface or released into the extracellular milieu. The study of protein folding and trafficking within the ER is an extremely active area of research that has provided novel insights into many disease processes. Cells have evolved mechanisms to modulate the capacity and quality of the ER protein-folding machinery to prevent the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins. These signaling pathways are collectively termed the unfolded protein response (UPR). The UPR sensors signal a transcriptional response to expand the ER folding capacity, increase degredation of malfolded proteins, and limit the rate of mRNA translation to reduce the client protein load. Recent genetic and biochemical evidence in both humans and mice supports a requirement for the UPR to preserve ER homeostasis and prevent the β-cell failure that may be fundamental in the etiology of diabetes. Chronic or overwhelming ER stress stimuli associated with metabolic syndrome can disrupt protein folding in the ER, reduce insulin secretion, invoke oxidative stress, and activate cell death pathways. Therapeutic interventions to prevent polypeptide-misfolding, oxidative damage, and/or UPR-induced cell death have the potential to improve β-cell function and/or survival in the treatment of diabetes.
Comparison of gastroretentive microspheres and sustained-release preparations using theophylline pharmacokinetics
Authors: Miyazaki Yasunori , Yakou Shigeru , Takayama Kozo
Published: May 2008

The objective of this study was to use the pharmacokinetics of theophylline to compare various gastroretentive microspheres. Three types of theophylline microspheres prepared from a hydrophobic dextran derivative were characterized in terms of drug release in-vitro and floating and mucoadhesive properties. Theophylline pharmacokinetic studies were conducted in Beagle dogs, comparing bulk powder, commercial sustained-release granules (Theodur™), sustained-release microspheres, floatable microspheres and mucoadhesive microspheres. Theodur and sustained-release microspheres resulted in a lower maximum concentration (Cmax) (P < 0.01) and larger values for mean residence time (MRT) (P < 0.05) than bulk powder, whereas area under the concentraion-time curve (AUC) were lower. The floatable microspheres showed a larger value for MRT than bulk powder (P < 0.01), and a larger AUC than Theodur (P < 0.05). The pharmacokinetic parameters of the mucoadhesive microspheres indicated an increase in AUC without decreasing the rate of bioavailability. Overall, the gastroretentive microspheres improved the extent of bioavailability of theophylline, which is absorbable from the entire gastrointestinal tract. The mucoadhesive microsphere showed a prolonged serum drug level, indicating a superior sustained-release delivery system for theophylline.
Down-regulation of histamine H1 receptors by β2-adrenoceptor-mediated inhibition of H1 receptor gene transcription
Authors: Miyoshi Katsuhiro , Kawakami Nozomi , Umehara Hayato , Fujimoto Katsumi , Horio Shuhei , Fukui Hiroyuki
Published: May 2008

Histamine H1 receptor (H1R) levels vary under various pathological conditions, and these changes may be responsible for some pathogenesis such as in allergic rhinitis. Several stimulants, including histamine, muscarinic agonists and platelet-activating factor, have now been shown to regulate H1R levels and may have roles in regulating the H1R level in physiological and pathological conditions. Results for β2-adrenoceptor (β2AR) stimulation are conflicting, however. β2AR up-regulated H1R in bovine tracheal smooth muscle, but down-regulated human H1R expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It is possible that this discrepancy comes from the differences in the preparations used for each study: the former cell expressed bovine H1R and the latter cell expressed human H1R. Moreover, CHO cells have been shown to be inadequate for studying the effects on H1R gene expression, because the cells express non-endogenous stably transfected H1R under the control of the SV40 promoter. Therefore, in this study, we have investigated the role of β2AR stimulation in H1R gene regulation using human U373 astrocytoma cells that express endogenous H1R and transfected β2AR. Stimulation of β2AR significantly reduced H1R promoter activity and H1R mRNA levels. H1R mRNA stability was slightly reduced by β2AR stimulation, although this was not significant. The decrease of H1R mRNA by β2AR stimulation was blocked by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor KT5720, suggesting the involvement of PKA. These results indicate that the β2AR is involved in the down-regulation of human H1R by inhibiting H1R gene transcription through a PKA-dependent process.
Gastroprotective activity of the chloroform extract of the roots from Arctium lappa L.
Authors: dos Santos Ana C , Baggio Cristiane H , Freitas Cristina S , Lepieszynski Juliana , Mayer Bárbara , Twardowschy André , Missau Fabiana C , dos Santos Élide P , Pizzolatti Moacir G , Marques Maria C A
Published: May 2008

Arctium lappa L. is used in folk medicine as a diuretic, depurative and digestive stimulant and in dermatological conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect and the possible mechanisms involved in the gastroprotective effects of a chloroform extract (CE) of the roots from A. lappa and its fractions. Oral pretreatment with CE (10, 30 and 100 mgkg−1) significantly reduced gastric lesions induced by ethanol by 61%, 70% and 76%, respectively. Oral administration of CE (100 mgkg−1 per day for 7 days) reduced the chronic gastric ulceration induced by acetic acid by 52%. Intraduodenal CE (100, 300 and 600 mgkg−1) reduced the total acidity of gastric secretion by 22%, 22% and 33%, respectively, while i.p. administration (10, 30 and 100 mgkg−1) inhibited total acidity by 50%, 60% and 67%, respectively. In-vitro, CE inhibited H+, K+-ATPase activity with an EC50 of 53 μgmL−1 and fraction A (30 and 100 μgmL−1) reduced this by 48% and 89%, respectively. CE had no effect on gastrointestinal motility. CE (250 μgmL−1) and fraction B (100 and 250 μgmL−1) had free-radical scavenging ability, inhibiting 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical activity by 50%, 20% and 55%, respectively. Collectively, the results show that the CE protects animals from gastric lesions by reducing gastric acid secretion via inhibition of gastric H+, K+-ATPase.
Nesprin-2 Giant (NUANCE) maintains nuclear envelope architecture and composition in skin
Authors: Lüke Yvonne , Zaim Hafida , Karakesisoglou Iakowos , Jaeger Verena M. , Sellin Lorenz , Lu Wenshu , Schneider Maria , Neumann Sascha , Beijer Asa , Munck Martina , Padmakumar V. C. , Gloy Joachim , Walz Gerd , Noegel Angelika A.
Published: May 2008

Giant isoforms, encoded by Nesprin-1 (Syne1) and Nesprin-2 (Syne2), are multifunctional actin-binding and nuclear-envelope-associated proteins belonging to the spectrin superfamily. Here, we investigate the function of Nesprin-2 Giant (NUANCE) in skin by generating mice lacking the actin-binding domain of Nesprin-2 (Nesprin-2ΔABD). This loss results in a slight but significant thickening of the epidermis, which is a consequence of the increased epithelial nuclear size. Nonetheless, epidermal proliferation and differentiation appear normal in the knockout epidermis. Surprisingly, Nesprin-2 C-terminal-isoform expression and nuclear envelope localization were affected in certain tissues. Nuclei of primary dermal knockout fibroblasts and keratinocytes were heavily misshapen, displaying a striking similarity to nuclear deformations characteristic of laminopathies. Furthermore, emerin, the protein involved in the X-linked form of Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD), was unevenly distributed along the nuclear envelope in mutant fibroblasts, often forming aggregates in the deformed nuclear envelope areas. Thus, Nesprin-2 is an important scaffold protein implicated in the maintenance of nuclear envelope architecture. Aged knockout fibroblasts readily generated, by alternative splicing and alternative translation initiation, aberrant Nesprin-2 Giant isoforms that lacked an ABD but that were sufficient to restore nuclear shape and emerin localization; this suggests that other regions of Nesprin-2 Giant, potentially including its spectrin repeats, are crucial for these functions.
Distinct targeting pathways for the membrane insertion of tail-anchored (TA) proteins
Authors: Favaloro Vincenzo , Spasic Milan , Schwappach Blanche , Dobberstein Bernhard
Published: May 2008

Tail-anchored (TA) proteins are characterised by a C-terminal transmembrane region that mediates post-translational insertion into the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). We have investigated the requirements for membrane insertion of three TA proteins, RAMP4, Sec61β and cytocrome b5. We show here that newly synthesised RAMP4 and Sec61β can accumulate in a cytosolic, soluble complex with the ATPase Asna1 before insertion into ER-derived membranes. Membrane insertion of these TA proteins is stimulated by ATP, sensitive to redox conditions and blocked by alkylation of SH groups by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM). By contrast, membrane insertion of cytochrome b5 is not found to be mediated by Asna1, not stimulated by ATP and not affected by NEM or an oxidative environment. The Asna1-mediated pathway of membrane insertion of RAMP4 and Sec61β may relate to functions of these proteins in the ER stress response.
Inclusion of 2,4- and 2,5-Diphenyloxazole by γ-Cyclodextrin in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Hamai Sanyo
Published: May 2008

In aqueous solution, the interactions of 2,4- and 2,5-diphenyloxazole (2,4- and 2,5-DPO) with β- and γ-cyclodextrin (β- and γ-CD) have been examined by means of absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. γ-CD forms a 2:1 host–guest inclusion complex with 2,4-DPO, whereas β-CD forms a 1:1 inclusion complex with 2,4-DPO. Equilibrium constants for the formation of these inclusion complexes have been evaluated. Upon the addition of alcohol to 2,4-DPO solution containing γ-CD, the 2:1 γ-CD–2,4-DPO inclusion complex accommodates alcohol to form a 2:2:1 γ-CD–alcohol–2,4-DPO inclusion complex. The equilibrium constant for the formation of the 2:2:1 inclusion complex increases as the alkyl chain of the alcohol is lengthened from 1-pentanol to 1-heptanol. A similar trend in the magnitude of the equilibrium constant has been observed for diols (1,9-nonanediol and 1,10-decanediol). In contrast to 2,4-DPO, 2,5-DPO forms a 1:1 γ-CD–2,5-DPO inclusion complex at a low concentration of 2,5-DPO. At a high concentration of 2,5-DPO, excimer fluorescence of 2,5-DPO has been observed in the presence of γ-CD. From simulations of excimer fluorescence intensity as a function of γ-CD concentration, the excimer fluorescence is ascribed to both a 1:2 γ-CD–2,5-DPO inclusion complex and a 2:2 γ-CD–2,5-DPO inclusion complex.
Preparation of C-Glycoside Pendant β2- and β2,2-Amino Acids
Authors: Inaba Yoko , Yano Shigenobu , Mikata Yuji
Published: May 2008

Facile preparations of C-glycosyl β2- and β2,2-amino acids are described. Selective formation of a β-C-glycoside linkage was achieved by the reaction of a 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-α-d-gluco/galactopyranosyl bromide (α-acetobromoglucose/galactose) with the carbanion of a cyanoacetate ester. Crystallization selectively afforded one of two diastereomers with respect to the chiral center at the α-carbon of the side chain (C-2), however, this compound was found to epimerize during the following nitrile reduction. Separation of the diastereomers was achieved via the Fmoc derivatives. Diastereomerically pure C-glycosyl β2,2-amino acids were prepared by diastereoselective alkylation of C-glycosylated enolate, followed by nitrile hydrogenation. The present procedure serves as an efficient route to C-glycosylated β-amino acids containing a non-biodegradable linkage.
Protein Digestion Using Immobilized Enzyme and a Microscale Vibration Unit for Structural Analysis of Phospholipase A2 by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Sasakura Yukie , Inada Rumiko , Nogami Makoto , Watanabe Masaki , Ogino Tsuyoshi , Kanda Katsuhiro
Published: May 2008

For mass spectroscopy (MS)-based protein structural analyses, effective digestion by proteases is one of the key steps. In this study, we developed a protein digestion method using immobilized enzyme and a microscale vibration unit. Phospholipase A2 was applied as a model substrate to evaluate the new procedure due to its rigid structure and resistance to protease digestion. Digested substrates were analyzed by MS, and cleavage at all expected recognition sites was evaluated. In relation to conventional liquid-phase digestion, the number of matched peptides and sequence coverage improved significantly from 6 to 9, and 41% to 69%, respectively. These results support the efficacy of our novel method in proteomics applications, including protein structural and post-translational modification analyses.
Photo-Ring-Opening Efficiency of 2,2-Diphenyl-2H-1-benzopyran Evaluated from Addition Reactivity of Amines to Its Ring-Opened Isomers
Authors: Sakuragi Masako , Kawanishi Yuji , Suzuki Yasuzo , Sakuragi Hirochika
Published: May 2008

Irradiation of 2,2-diphenyl-2H-1-benzopyran (DPBP) in the presence of a primary or a secondary amine gave an addition product. With a large excess of amine, the apparent quantum yield for product formation reached 0.5. This value corresponds to a minimal quantum yield for formation of DPBP colored ring-opened forms.
Photochromic Properties of Diarylethene Derivatives Having Benzofuran and Benzothiophene Rings Based on Regioisomers
Authors: Yamaguchi Tadatsugu , Uchida Kingo , Irie Masahiro
Published: May 2008

Photochromic diarylethene regioisomers having benzothiophene and benzofuran rings were synthesized and their structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The photochromic properties of these diarylethenes were examined in solution as well as in the single-crystalline phase. We found that a diarylethene having 3-methylbenzofuran (FR2) ring show photochromism upon irradiation with UV light. For bis(3-methylbenzofuran) (BFR2) derivatives, the absorption band of the closed-ring isomer was longer than that of the open-ring isomer. The closed-ring isomer of the diarylethene derivatives having one 2-methylbenzofuran (FR3) ring showed a high absorption coefficient (more than 104 dm3 mol−1 cm−1). Although the distance between two reactive carbon atoms was within 0.42 nm, some diarylethene derivatives showed no photochromic reactions in the single-crystalline phase. Diarylethene derivatives having one 2-methylbenzofuran (FR3) ring efficiently showed photochromism in the single-crystalline phase.
Influence of Residual Chloride Ions in Alumina-Supported Cobalt Catalysts on Catalytic Activity in Ketone and Aldehyde Hydrogenation
Authors: Otomo Akinori , Tukagoshi Yasuyuki , Ohshima Masa-aki , Kurokawa Hideki , Miura Hiroshi
Published: May 2008

The influence of residual chloride ions on the catalytic activity of Co/Al2O3 was investigated for liquid-phase hydrogenation of ketones and aldehydes using Cl−-free and Cl−-containing catalysts. The Cl−-free catalyst showed high activity for hydrogenation of both, whereas the Cl−-containing catalysts showed very low activity for ketone hydrogenation.
Decomposition of Waste Organic Solvents by Liquid-Phase Atmospheric Pressure Microwave Plasma Generated Using Carbon Felt Pieces Impregnated with NaCl
Authors: Kurihara Hideki , Yajima Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2008

The decomposition of organic solvents was divided into three periods: LPSD, LPAPMP, and APMP. We found that the generation behaviors of LPAPMP were different due to the relative permittivity of the solvents, however, LPAPMP generation is effective for decomposing each of the organic solvents.
Drug Reimbursement Policies in Canada—Need for Improved Access to Critical Therapies
Authors: LeLorier Jacques , Bell Alan , Bougher David J , Cox Jafna L , Turpie Alexander GG
Published: May 2008

Public drug programs in Canada are increasingly implementing cost management strategies. A multidisciplinary review of these strategies—specifically, the special authorization (SA) process—found that implementation of the SA practice is costly and causes inequity in access, underutilization, and delays in treatment for urgently required therapies, all potentially leading to negative health outcomes. We present potential solutions and a set of recommendations for decision-makers to base reimbursement decisions on the best clinical evidence, eliminate regional variability in access, ensure timely access to urgently required treatments, and monitor the impact of reimbursement policies on health outcomes.
Practice Change in Community Pharmacy: Quantification of Facilitators
Authors: Roberts Alison S , Benrimoj Shalom I , Chen Timothy F , Williams Kylie A , Aslani Parisa
Published: May 2008

Background:

There has been an increasing international trend toward the delivery of cognitive pharmaceutical services (CPS) in community pharmacy. CPS have been developed and disseminated individually, without a framework underpinning their implementation and with limited knowledge of factors that might assist practice change. The implementation process is complex, involving a range of internal and external factors.

Objective:

To quantify facilitators of practice change in Australian community pharmacies.

Methods:

We employed a literature review and qualitative study to facilitate the design of a 43-item “facilitators of practice change” scale as part of a quantitative survey instrument, using a framework of organizational theory. The questionnaire was pilot-tested (n = 100), then mailed to a random sample of 2000 community pharmacies, with a copy each for the pharmacy owner, employed pharmacist, and pharmacy assistant. The construct validity and reliability of the scale were established using exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach's α, respectively.

Results:

A total of 735 (37%) pharmacies responded, with 1303 individual questionnaires. Factor analysis of the scale yielded 7 factors, explaining 48.8% of the total variance. The factors were: relationship with physicians (item loading range 0.59–0.85; Cronbach's α 0.90), remuneration (0.52–0.74; 0.82), pharmacy layout (0.52–0.79; 0.81), patient expectation (0.52–0.85; 0.82), manpower/staff (0.49–0.66; 0.80), communication and teamwork (0.37–0.65; 0.77), and external support/assistance (0.47–0.69; 0.74).

Conclusions:

All of the factors demonstrated good reliability and construct validity and explained approximately half of the variance. Implementing CPS requires support not only with the clinical aspects of service delivery, but also for the process of implementation itself, and remuneration models must reflect this. The identified facilitators should be used in a multilevel strategy to integrate professional services into the community pharmacy business, engaging pharmacists and their staff, policy makers, educators, and researchers. Further research is required to determine additional factors impacting the capacity of community pharmacies to implement change.
Formulary Management of Recombinant Factor VIIa at an Academic Medical Center
Authors: Owen Phillip S , Golightly Larry K , MacLaren Robert , Ferretti Kenneth A , Badesch David B
Published: May 2008

Background:

Recombinant human coagulation factor VIIa (rVIIa) is a procoagulant indicated for treatment of bleeding in patients with hemophilia. A large proportion of rVIIa utilization is for off-label administration in nonhemophiliac patients with acute hemorrhage. Concerns of potentially inappropriate use, safety, and cost of rVIIa led to efforts to standardize use of this agent.

Objective:

To comparatively describe the utilization of rVIIa upon implementation of an evidence-based guideline at a university hospital.

Methods:

With advisory direction from a multidisciplinary task force, an evidence-based guideline for use of rVIIa was developed, approved, and fully implemented. Assessment of appropriateness of use and retrospective review were required for all cases. Effects of these actions were evaluated by auditing and comparing rVIIa use in patients treated in two 6-month observation periods before and after guideline implementation. Outcomes assessed were proportions of patients deemed appropriate to receive rVIIa, compliance with dosing recommendations, and acquisition costs.

Results:

Twenty-two and 29 patients were treated in the periods before and after guideline implementation, respectively. Patient characteristics were similar, except more cardiothoracic surgeries were performed in patients treated before implementation of the guideline. Indications for rVIIa use were judged appropriate in 21 (95.5%) before-cases and in all (100%) after-cases. The dose was compliant in 1 (4.6%) before-case and 27 (93.1%) after-cases (p conclusions: A guideline based on currently available evidence can serve to sustain the clinical appropriateness of rVIIa therapy and substantially decrease costs.
High-Frequency Whisker Vibration Is Encoded by Phase-Locked Responses of Neurons in the Rat's Barrel Cortex
Authors: Ewert Tobias A. S. , Vahle-Hinz Christiane , Engel Andreas K.
Published: May 2008

Rats perform texture discrimination during tactile exploration with their whiskers with high spatial and temporal precision. Although the peripheral mechanoreceptors provide tactile information with exquisite temporal resolution, physiological studies have suggested that this information might be lost at the cortical level. To address this discrepancy, multiunit and single-unit recordings were performed in the barrel cortex of isoflurane-anesthetized rats using continuous sinusoidal vibration of single whiskers at 15–700 Hz. In multiunit recordings, sustained phase-locked responses occurred up to vibration frequencies of 700 Hz, and 1:1 stimulus locking was observed up to 320 Hz. Wide-band responses of multiunits showed frequency encoding between 20 and 320 Hz. The discharge rates were not different for stimuli in the low- and high-frequency ranges, but they were significantly lower for non-phase-locked responses to high-frequency vibration. Response adaptation was present in only 25% of the cases, whereas in the majority of cases, entrainment to the vibratory frequency remained constant or even increased with stimulus duration. Increased entrainment to high-frequency stimulation was accompanied by the emergence of induced activity in the gamma-band range. Analysis of single-unit activity revealed that phase locking to vibratory stimuli was more precise than that observed for the multiunit responses. The results show that whisker vibrations at frequencies above 100 Hz are faithfully encoded by sustained phase-locked responses of cortical neurons under isoflurane anesthesia. It is conceivable that the awake animal makes use of the tactile signals at even much higher frequencies, which can be provided by the peripheral mechanoreceptors during texture discrimination.
Latent Stem and Progenitor Cells in the Hippocampus Are Activated by Neural Excitation
Authors: Walker Tara L. , White Amanda , Black Debra M. , Wallace Robyn H. , Sah Pankaj , Bartlett Perry F.
Published: May 2008

The regulated production of neurons in the hippocampus throughout life underpins important brain functions such as learning and memory. Surprisingly, however, studies have so far failed to identify a resident hippocampal stem cell capable of providing the renewable source of these neurons. Here, we report that depolarizing levels of KCl produce a threefold increase in the number of neurospheres generated from the adult mouse hippocampus. Most interestingly, however, depolarizing levels of KCl led to the emergence of a small subpopulation of precursors (approximately eight per hippocampus) with the capacity to generate very large neurospheres (>250 μm in diameter). Many of these contained cells that displayed the cardinal properties of stem cells: multipotentiality and self-renewal. In contrast, the same conditions led to the opposite effect in the other main neurogenic region of the brain, the subventricular zone, in which neurosphere numbers decreased by ∼40% in response to depolarizing levels of KCl. Most importantly, we also show that the latent hippocampal progenitor population can be activatedin vivoin response to prolonged neural activity found in status epilepticus. This work provides the first direct evidence of a latent precursor and stem cell population in the adult hippocampus, which is able to be activated by neural activity. Because the latent population is also demonstrated to reside in the aged animal, defining the precise mechanisms that underlie its activation may provide a means to combat the cognitive deficits associated with a decline in neurogenesis.
The Basolateral Nucleus of the Amygdala Is Necessary to Induce the Opposing Effects of Stressful Experience on Learning in Males and Females
Authors: Waddell Jaylyn , Bangasser Debra A. , Shors Tracey J.
Published: May 2008

The basolateral nucleus of the amygdala (BLA) has been implicated in the modulation of learning after stress. Acute inescapable stress enhances classical eyeblink conditioning in male rats, whereas the same stressor impairs eyeblink conditioning in female rats. The experiments here directly assessed whether inactivation of the BLA during stress exposure would block both the stress-induced facilitation in males and the retardation of eyeblink conditioning in females. To this end, the BLA was temporarily inactivated by infusion of the GABA agonist muscimol before acute stressor exposure. All rats were trained in a different context 24 h later. Males infused with muscimol before the stressful event did not exhibit facilitated eyeblink conditioning, whereas those infused with the vehicle emitted more conditioned responses than unstressed males. Females infused with muscimol before stress did not express a deficit in conditioning, whereas those infused with vehicle and stressed emitted fewer conditioned responses than unstressed vehicle controls. These data demonstrate that neuronal activity within the BLA during stress exposure is necessary to modulate learning 24 h later in a new context. Thus, the BLA is necessary to induce the long-term effect of stressful experience on conditioning regardless of sex and direction of modulation.
A Specific Role for Ca2+-Dependent Adenylyl Cyclases in Recovery from Adaptive Presynaptic Silencing
Authors: Moulder Krista L. , Jiang Xiaoping , Chang ChunYun , Taylor Amanda A. , Benz Ann M. , Conti Alana C. , Muglia Louis J. , Mennerick Steven
Published: May 2008

Glutamate generates fast postsynaptic depolarization throughout the CNS. The positive-feedback nature of glutamate signaling likely necessitates flexible adaptive mechanisms that help prevent runaway excitation. We have previously explored presynaptic adaptive silencing, a form of synaptic plasticity produced by ongoing neuronal activity and by strong depolarization. Unsilencing mechanisms that maintain active synapses and restore normal function after adaptation are also important, but mechanisms underlying such presynaptic reactivation remain unexplored. Here we investigate the involvement of the cAMP pathway in the basal balance between silenced and active synapses, as well as the recovery of baseline function after depolarization-induced presynaptic silencing. Activation of the cAMP pathway activates synapses that are silent at rest, and pharmacological inhibition of cAMP signaling silences basally active synapses. Adenylyl cyclase (AC) 1 and AC8, the major Ca2+-sensitive AC isoforms, are not crucial for the baseline balance between silent and active synapses. In cells from mice doubly deficient in AC1 and AC8, the baseline percentage of active synapses was only modestly reduced compared with wild-type synapses, and forskolin unsilencing was similar in the two genotypes. Nevertheless, after strong presynaptic silencing, recovery of normal function was strongly inhibited in AC1/AC8-deficient synapses. The entire recovery phenotype of the double null was reproduced in AC8-deficient but not AC1-deficient cells. We conclude that, under normal conditions, redundant cyclase activity maintains the balance between presynaptically silent and active synapses, but AC8 plays a particularly important role in rapidly resetting the balance of active to silent synapses after adaptation to strong activity.
State Power, Elite Relations, and the Politics of Privatization in China's Rural Industry: Different Approaches in Two Regions
Authors: Zhang Jianjun
Published: May 2008

By comparing “manipulated” privatization in Wuxi and relatively “transparent” privatization in Wenzhou, this paper analyzes the politics of privatization in Chinese rural industry. It argues that power relations between government and people, and elite relations between leaders and managers, determine who was included and who was excluded in the process.
Squaring the Welfare Circle in Hong Kong: Lessons for Governance in Social Policy
Authors: Wong Chack Kie
Published: May 2008

This article examines how the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government squares the welfare circle. Because of the constrained institutional pathway of the established welfare system, the government is not successful in either reducing public expenditures or raising taxes. The article argues that it is important to look into the role of institutional design in the management of public expectations.
Nineteenth-Century Music? The Case of Rachmaninov
Authors: Fisk Charles
Published: May 2008

In two of Rachmaninov's last works, the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini of 1934 and the first of the Symphonic Dances of 1940, a stylistic contrast between an opulently scored lyrical theme and the more angular, dissonant music that surrounds that theme throws into relief the extent that Rachmaninov's musical language had changed and developed since his first great successes thirty years earlier with the Second Piano Concerto and the Second Symphony. The words that motivate a similar stylistic contrast in the song Son (Sleep), composed in 1917, near the end of his most compositionally productive years, suggest an interpretive reading of such a stylistic contrast: the earlier, lusher style is associated here with dreams, and hence with memories; while the later, sparer, more tonally ambiguous style accompanies an evocation of something more impersonal, in the case of the song the stillness of a dreamless sleep. Some of the developing aspects of Rachmaninov's style revealed in these later examples are already evident even in the more traditional-sounding pieces of the last decade (1907–17) of his Russian period, which is shown in an analysis of the piano Prelude in G# Minor of 1910. Even this seemingly traditional Prelude, but more and more in his later music, Rachmaninov emerges as an indisputably twentieth-century composer.
O Programa Saúde da Família no Brasil: análise do acesso à atenção básica
Authors: Sousa Maria Fátima de
Published: May 2008

Este artigo apresenta dados de uma pesquisa sobre a implantação do Programa de Saúde da Família-PSF, realizada nos 12 municípios pioneiros, no que se refere ao acesso aos serviços básicos de saúde. Fundamentou-se, no contexto das ciências sociais, no método da hermenêutica-dialética. Foram utilizados roteiros de entrevista e grupos focais para coleta de dados. Evidenciou o estudo, no que se refere ao acesso aos serviços básicos de saúde, o PSF vem contribuindo para a diminuição das iniqüidades. Enfrenta, no entanto, uma série de desafios de ordem social, político, econômico institucional e cultural, materializados nas deficiências de coordenação, gestão, financiamento, e, sobretudo nas praticas médico assistencial, fortemente presentes no cotidiano do trabalho das equipes do PSF.
Educação em saúde nas páginas da REBEn no perído de 1995 a 2005
Authors: Carvalho Viviane Lemes da Silva , Clementino Viviane de Queiroz , Pinho Lícia Maria de Oliveira
Published: May 2008

Durante nossa graduação, vivenciamos diversas práticas de educação em saúde que nos motivou realizar este estudo. Os objetivos são descrever as práticas educativas desenvolvidas por enfermeiros (as); identificar as pessoas, o local e descrever os resultados obtidos com as práticas educativas. Estudo do tipo bibliográfico sistematizado. As informações foram coletadas através da seleção e análise, dos artigos sobre educação em saúde, publicados na Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem (REBEn), no período de 1995 a 2005. Após a análise, 38 artigos foram selecionados e agrupados. Pudemos observar que as práticas educativas acontecem com maior freqüência na unidade hospitalar, as estratégias utilizadas têm sido muito criativas, abrangem usuários de várias faixas etárias e os enfermeiros são os que mais desenvolvem praticas educativas.
Ordem como tarefa: a construção dos Diagnósticos de Enfermagem
Authors: Kruse Maria Henriqueta Luce , Silva Karen Schein da , Ribeiro Rúbia Guimarães , Fortes Caroline Vieira
Published: May 2008

Classificar tem o sentido de segregar. Significa ver o mundo como algo que pode ser formado por entidades distintas que poderiam ser ordenadas e tornar real aquilo que se organizou. Assim, o Diagnóstico de Enfermagem (DE) pretende ser um arquivo, que permite a montagem de um quadro de saberes sobre os indivíduos. Neste trabalho pretendemos conhecer o modo pelo qual as enfermeiras construíram esse aparelho documental. Assim, analisamos as publicações da Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem e constatamos que alguns sentidos foram atribuídos aos DE o que nos permitiu agrupá-los em cinco classes. Observamos, também, que os discursos da revista atribuem poderes a essa classificação, pois ao difundir esse saber o fortalecem.
Retocolite ulcerativa (RCU): perfil evolutivo clínico endoscópico. Estudo retrospectivo
Authors: Silva Edson Jurado da , Seixas Iara Vasconcellos
Published: May 2008

OBJETIVO: Analisar o perfil da RCU. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva de pacientes acompanhados pelos autores de 1996 a 2006. Confrontamos topografia das lesões, colonoscopia / histopatologia com ênfase na displasia e CCR. Rastreamos displasia após 7 anos de doença. Teste t de Student foi usado para média e qui-quadrado para números absolutos. P< 0,05 significativo. RESULTADOS: 127 pacientes, 40 homens e 87 mulheres. Média de idade 47±13 N=61 (48%) na pancolite e 45±15 na colite esquerda N=66 (52%) p> 0,05 para idade. Displasia em 9 (7%), 8 (6%) na pancolite p< 0,01. Dois (2%) em mucosa lisa e 7 (12,5%) em portadores de nodularidade e DALM (dysplasia associated lesion or mass) p< 0,05. Pseudopólipos N=55 (43%). CCR em 7 (5,5%). 13 colectomizados (10%), 3 por intratabilidade, 3 por megacólon tóxico, 1 por displasia com tumor na peça e 6 com CCR. CCR tinham mais de 12 anos de doença. Em 3 (2,3%) com doença ativa à histopatologia não foi detectado sangue macroscópico nas fezes. CONCLUSÕES: Reafirmamos a necessidade de vigilância para displasia e CCR. Pancolite aumenta risco de displasia e CCR. A idade não interfere na extensão da doença. Sangue nas fezes é importante no diagnóstico.
Doença de Crohn: fatores de risco para recidiva no pós-operatório
Authors: Albuquerque Idblan Carvalho de , Carvalho Rodrigo Britto de , Lopes Juliana Magalhães , Pincinato André Luigi , Monteiro Elisângela Plazas , Formiga Galdino José Sitonio
Published: May 2008

Apesar dos avanços na compreensão da doença de Crohn, os fatores determinantes da recidiva no pós-operatório permanecem especulativos. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar retrospectivamente os fatores preditivos da recidiva na doença de Crohn no pós-operatório. Métodos: foram analisados 45 pacientes com diagnóstico de doença de Crohn, submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico, avaliando recidiva da doença e fatores como idade, sexo, raça, tabagismo, localização, padrão anatomo-clínico, indicação cirúrgica, tipo de anastomose. Resultados: em 67,7% dos pacientes houve recidiva da doença sendo a causa mais freqüente a forma fistulizante; 64,6% foram operados três vezes ou mais (p=0,002). Doentes com quadro de perfuração apresentaram maior número de reoperações, três ou mais operações, em 63,6% (p=0,003). Conclusões: Quadro de perfuração e forma fistulizante da doença determinaram maior número de recidiva nos pacientes estudados.
Sociabilidades políticas e relações de gênero: ritos domésticos e religiosos no Rio de Janeiro do século XIX
Authors: Costa Suely Gomes
Published: May 2008

Este artigo, com base em fontes diversas, especialmente textos literários e relatos de viagens, analisa ritos doméstico-religiosos tais como o batismo de escravos em igrejas de negros e a educação religiosa dos mestres de reza, dentre outros, no Rio de Janeiro do século XIX, como expressão de sociabilidades políticas. Propõe-se a analisar padrões de domesticidade e intimidade em processos de longa duração histórica, admitindo-os como indissociáveis das relações de gênero, bem como suas interseções com outras relações sociais (classe/raça/etnia/geração).
Debates científicos e a produção do vinho paulista, 1890-1930
Authors: Oliver Graciela de Souza
Published: May 2008

Este artigo apresenta o contexto histórico do surgimento da vitivinicultura paulista e a maneira como as publicações científicas caracterizaram essa produção. Por meio da leitura dos Boletins do Instituto Agronômico de Campinas, do Boletim da Agricultura, dos livretos de Pereira Barreto (1840-1923) e das revistas Chácaras e Quintaes, O Campo e Revista Agrícola identifico os fatores que motivaram o desenvolvimento dessa cultura. Na criação dos conceitos de vinhos artesanais, vinhos falsificados e vinhos regulados nota-se a influência tanto das teorias científicas modernas como de ideais do pensamento social da época. Mesmo não sendo possível mostrar o impacto econômico dessas publicações, nota-se a criação de um debate científico, com seus tópicos e demandas. A manutenção dessa cultura científica serviu também de motivação para o desenvolvimento de outras pesquisas num momento seguinte.
Espécies de Cyperaceae do Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Natureza Pró-Mata, município de São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brasil
Authors: Ferreira Pedro Maria de Abreu , Eggers Lilian
Published: May 2008

Foi realizado o levantamento florístico das espécies de Cyperaceae do Centro de Pesquisa e Conservação da Natureza PróMata (CPCN Pró-Mata), Rio Grande do Sul. O local de estudo está situado no município de São Francisco de Paula, na região fisiográfica dos Campos de Cima da Serra. Foram efetuadas cinco expedições de coleta e encontradas 42 espécies, distribuídas em oito gêneros. São apresentadas a lista das espécies, chaves de identificação nos níveis genérico e específico e fotomicrografias em Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura dos aquênios de cada espécie.
É possível uma política deliberativa para o trabalho?
Authors: Silva Leonardo Mello e
Published: May 2008

As relações trabalhistas vêm apresentando uma série de iniciativas de negociação inovadoras nos últimos anos no Brasil, seja no âmbito da concertação social, seja no âmbito das relações de trabalho dentro das fábricas, que apontam para a mobilização de uma postura dialógica e compreensiva entre os interlocutores ou atores coletivos. Os limites de uma tal postura em uma situação de conflito de classe estão para ser estabelecidos. O artigo procura incorporar a discussão teórica sobre a democracia deliberativa para aquele tipo de situação, a fim de testar a sua pertinência. A ênfase recai na observação das precondições teóricas quanto à arbitragem dos conflitos em situações determinadas, extraídas de pesquisa prévia do autor. A hipótese subjacente é de que o procedimento deliberativo no trabalho pode estar a indicar um alargamento da esfera pública no Brasil.
Sulfato de atropina nos parâmetros hemodinâmicos e hemogasométricos de cães anestesiados com clorpromazina, dexmedetomidina e isoflurano
Authors: Flôres Fabíola Niederauer , Moraes Aury Nunes de , Oleskovicz Nilson , Oliveira Flávia de , Bortoluzzi Neida , Minsky Vanessa , Soares André
Published: May 2008

Seis cães, pesando 17,9kg (±3,9), foram anestesiados em duas ocasiões, com intervalo de sete dias, obedecendo estudo cego. A indução e a manutenção anestésica foram realizadas com isoflurano em ventilação mecânica. Depois da instrumentação, a concentração final de isoflurano foi fixada em 1,3V% durante o estudo. Após período de estabilização de 30 minutos, foram mensurados os parâmetros hemodinâmicos e hemogasométricos (M-15); na seqüência, administrou-se atropina (grupo atropina) ou cloreto de sódio 0,9% (grupo salina). Passados 15 minutos, os parâmetros foram avaliados novamente (M0) e aplicou-se clorpromazina e dexmedetomidina (Clor-Dex). As variáveis foram mensuradas por mais 65 minutos depois da Clor-Dex. Empregou-se ANOVA de uma via e teste Student Newman Keuls para valores entre tempos dentro de cada grupo e teste t pareado para avaliação das médias entre grupos (P£0,05). A freqüência cardíaca foi maior no grupo atropina depois da administração de Clor-Dex, e houve redução nos valores de Índice Cardíaco (IC) em ambos os grupos. Embora os valores médios de IC tenham sido maiores no grupo atropina, não houve diferença significativa entre grupos administração de Clor-Dex promoveu aumento da pressão arterial em cães tratados com atropina. A pressão arterial média (PAM) foi significativamente maior no grupo atropina dos 5 aos 65 minutos após administração de Clor-Dex, assim como o Índice de Resistência Periférica Total (IRPT) aumentou em ambos os grupos depois da Clor-Dex.. Os parâmetros hemogasométricos não apresentaram diferenças significativas. A administração de atropina antes da clorpromazina e da dexmedetomidina resultou em aumento da pressão arterial. A bradicardia induzida pela administração da associação de fármacos foi prevenida pelo anticolinérgico, porém a redução do débito cardíaco não foi prevenida.
Aspectos microbiológicos e físico-químicos da parte interna da paleta suína curada, maturada e fermentada durante a etapa de processamento e armazenamento
Authors: Terra Nelcindo Nascimento , Cichoski Alexandre José , Freitas Renato João Sossela de
Published: May 2008

Utilizou-se como matéria-prima a paleta suína e elaborou-se um produto cárneo similar ao presunto curado espanhol. Acompanhou-se a evolução de alguns parâmetros físico-químicos (pH, a w, NO2, umidade, cloretos) e microbiológicos (bactérias mesófilos, lácticas, Micrococcacea, Staphylococcus xylosus), na parte interna da paleta suína, e relacionou-os com as ações que os mesmos exercem nos produtos cárneos fermentados e curados, nas diferentes fases de processamento e armazenamento, tendo em vista que o produto elaborado com a paleta suína é similar a esses produtos cárneos. Os resultados mostraram que as concentrações de cloretos do quinto ponto de coleta (20° dia) em diante apresentaram ação bacteriostática frente às bactérias que alteram o produto, e que os valores de a w menores do que 0,93 e de umidade inferiores a 64%, durante o período de armazenamento, agiram como obstáculos frente ao desenvolvimento das bactérias da família Enterobacteriaceae. Representantes da família Microccocaceae e do grupo das bactérias ácido lácticas desenvolveram-se em baixos valores de a w e em alta concentração de cloreto.
Tratamento de água para abastecimento público por ultrafiltração: avaliação comparativa através dos custos diretos de implantação e operação com os sistemas convencional e convencional com carvão ativado
Authors: Mierzwa José Carlos , Silva Maurício Costa Cabral da , Rodrigues Luana Di Beo , Hespanhol Ivanildo
Published: May 2008

Neste trabalho é apresentada uma avaliação comparativa preliminar entre os sistemas de tratamento de água por ultrafiltração, convencional e convencional com carvão ativado, com base nos custos diretos de implantação e operação, utilizando-se os resultados obtidos em uma unidade piloto de ultrafiltração, instalada junto à captação de água no Reservatório Guarapiranga. Para comparação considerou-se os dados relativos à eficiência da remoção de Carbono Orgânico Total. A avaliação de custos foi feita pelo método de cálculo do período de retorno de investimento, obtendo-se valores de R$ 0,20/m³ para o sistema convencional e R$ 0,40/m³ para os outros sistemas. Estes resultados mostram o potencial de processos de separação por membranas no tratamento de água para abastecimento público.