bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attitudes toward depression among Japanese non-psychiatric medical doctors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ohtsuki Tsuyuka , Kodaka Manami , Sakai Rumi , Ishikura Fuminobu , Watanabe Yoichiro , Mann Anthony , Haddad Mark , Yamada Mitsuhiko , Inagaki Masatoshi
Published: August 2012

Background

Under-recognition of depression is common in many countries. Education of medical staff, focusing on their attitudes towards depression, may be necessary to change their behavior and enhance recognition of depression. Several studies have previously reported on attitudes toward depression among general physicians. However, little is known about attitudes of non-psychiatric doctors in Japan. In the present study, we surveyed non-psychiatric doctors’ attitude toward depression.

Methods

The inclusion criteria of participants in the present study were as follows: 1) Japanese non-psychiatric doctors and 2) attendees in educational opportunities regarding depression care. We conveniently approached two populations: 1) a workshop to depression care for non-psychiatric doctors and 2) a general physician-psychiatrist (G-P) network group. We contacted 367 subjects. Attitudes toward depression were measured using the Depression Attitude Questionnaire (DAQ), a 20-item self-report questionnaire developed for general physicians. We report scores of each DAQ item and factors derived from exploratory factor analysis.

Results

We received responses from 230 subjects, and we used DAQ data from 187 non-psychiatric doctors who met the inclusion criteria. All non-psychiatric doctors (n = 187) disagreed with "I feel comfortable in dealing with depressed patients' needs," while 60 % (n = 112) agreed with "Working with depressed patients is heavy going." Factor analysis indicated these items comprised a factor termed "Depression should be treated by psychiatrists" - to which 54 % of doctors (n = 101) agreed. Meanwhile, 67 % of doctors (n = 126) thought that nurses could be useful in depressed patient support. The three factors derived from the Japanese DAQ differed from models previously derived from British GP samples. The attitude of Japanese non-psychiatric doctors concerning whether depression should be treated by psychiatrists was markedly different to that of British GPs.

Conclusions

Japanese non-psychiatric doctors believe that depression care is beyond the scope of their duties. It is suggested that educational programs or guidelines for depression care developed in other countries such as the UK are not directly adaptable for Japanese non-psychiatric doctors. Developing a focused educational program that motivates non-psychiatric doctors to play a role in depression care is necessary to enhance recognition and treatment of depression in Japan.
Scenario drafting to anticipate future developments in technology assessment
Authors: Retèl Valesca P , Joore Manuela A , Linn Sabine C , Rutgers Emiel JT , van Harten Wim H
Published: August 2012

Background

Health Technology Assessment (HTA) information, and in particular cost-effectiveness data is needed to guide decisions, preferably already in early stages of technological development. However, at that moment there is usually a high degree of uncertainty, because evidence is limited and different development paths are still possible. We developed a multi-parameter framework to assess dynamic aspects of a technology -still in development-, by means of scenario drafting to determine the effects, costs and cost-effectiveness of possible future diffusion patterns. Secondly, we explored the value of this method on the case of the clinical implementation of the 70-gene signature for breast cancer, a gene expression profile for selecting patients who will benefit most from chemotherapy.

Methods

To incorporate process-uncertainty, ten possible scenarios regarding the introduction of the 70-gene signature were drafted with European experts. Out of 5 most likely scenarios, 3 drivers of diffusion (non-compliance, technical failure, and uptake) were quantitatively integrated in a decision-analytical model. For these scenarios, the cost-effectiveness of the 70-gene signature expressed in Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios (ICERs) was compared to clinical guidelines, calculated from the past (2005) until the future (2020).

Results

In 2005 the ICER was €1,9 million/quality-adjusted-life-year (QALY), meaning that the 70-gene signature was not yet cost-effective compared to the current clinical guideline. The ICER for the 70-gene signature improved over time with a range of €1,9 million to €26,145 in 2010 and €1,9 million to €11,123/QALY in 2020 depending on the separate scenario used. From 2010, the 70-gene signature should be cost-effective, based on the combined scenario. The uptake-scenario had strongest influence on the cost-effectiveness.

Conclusions

When optimal diffusion of a technology is sought, incorporating process-uncertainty by means of scenario drafting into a decision model may reveal unanticipated developments and can demonstrate a range of possible cost-effectiveness outcomes. The effect of scenarios give additional information on the speed with cost effectiveness might be reached and thus provide a more realistic picture for policy makers, opinion leaders and manufacturers.
Homozygous A polymorphism of the complement C1qA
276
correlates with prolonged overall survival in patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP
Authors: Jin Xuan , Ding Huirong , Ding Ning , Fu Zhiying , Song Yuqin , Zhu Jun
Published: August 2012

Background

The precise mechanism of action for rituximab (R) is not fully elucidated. Besides antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), complements may also play an important role in the clinical response to rituximab-based therapy in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between C1qA

[276]
polymorphism and the clinical response to standard frontline treatment with R-CHOP in DLBCL patients.

Methods

Genotyping for C1qA

[276A/G]
was done in 164 patients with DLBCL. 129 patients treated with R-CHOP as frontline therapy (R ≥ 4 cycles) were assessable for the efficacy.

Results

Patients with homozygous A were found to have a higher overall response rate than those with heterozygous or homozygous G alleles (97.3% vs. 83.7%,P = 0.068). The complete response rate in patients with homozygous A was statistically higher than that in AG and GG allele carriers (89.2% vs. 51.1%,P = 0.0001). The overall survival of patients with homozygous A was longer than that of the G allele carriers (676 days vs. 497 days, P = 0.023). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that C1qA A/A allele was an independent favorable prognostic factor for DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP as first-line therapy.

Conclusion

These results suggest that C1qA polymorphism may be a biomarker to predict response to R-CHOP as frontline therapy for DLBCL patients.
Conversion of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and hormone receptor expression in breast cancer metastases to the brain
Authors: Duchnowska Renata , Dziadziuszko Rafał , Trojanowski Tomasz , Mandat Tomasz , Och Waldemar , Czartoryska-Arłukowicz Bogumiła , Radecka Barbara , Olszewski Wojciech , Szubstarski Franciszek , Kozłowski Wojciech , Jarosz Bożena , Rogowski Wojciech , Kowalczyk Anna , Limon Janusz , Biernat Wojciech , Jassem Jacek ,   the Polish Brain Metastasis Consortium
Published: August 2012

Introduction

We investigated the status of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), progesterone receptor (PR), and epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in primary tumor and in the corresponding brain metastases in a consecutive series of breast cancer patients. Additionally, we studied factors potentially influencing conversion and evaluated its association with survival.

Methods

The study group included 120 breast cancer patients. ERα, PR, and HER2 status in primary tumors and in matched brain metastases was determined centrally by immunohistochemistry and/or fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Results

Using the Allred score of ≥ 3 as a threshold, conversion of ERα and PR in brain metastases occurred in 29% of cases for both receptors, mostly from positive to negative. Conversion of HER2 occurred in 14% of patients and was more balanced either way. Time to brain relapse and the use of chemotherapy or trastuzumab did not influence conversion, whereas endocrine therapy induced conversion of ERα (P = 0.021) and PR (P = 0.001), mainly towards their loss. Receptor conversion had no significant impact on survival.

Conclusions

Receptor conversion, particularly loss of hormone receptors, is a common event in brain metastases from breast cancer, and endocrine therapy may increase its incidence. Receptor conversion does not significantly affect survival.
A distinct influenza infection signature in the blood transcriptome of patients with severe community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Parnell Grant P , McLean Anthony S , Booth David R , Armstrong Nicola J , Nalos Marek , Huang Stephen J , Manak Jan , Tang Wilson , Tam Oi-Yan , Chan Stanley , Tang Benjamin M
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Diagnosis of severe influenza pneumonia remains challenging because of a lack of correlation between the presence of influenza virus and clinical status. We conducted gene-expression profiling in the whole blood of critically ill patients to identify a gene signature that would allow clinicians to distinguish influenza infection from other causes of severe respiratory failure, such as bacterial pneumonia, and noninfective systemic inflammatory response syndrome.

Methods

Whole-blood samples were collected from critically ill individuals and assayed on Illumina HT-12 gene-expression beadarrays. Differentially expressed genes were determined by linear mixed-model analysis and overrepresented biological pathways determined by using GeneGo MetaCore.

Results

The gene-expression profile of H1N1 influenza A pneumonia was distinctly different from those of bacterial pneumonia and systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The influenza gene-expression profile is characterized by upregulation of genes from cell-cycle regulation, apoptosis, and DNA-damage-response pathways. In contrast, no distinctive gene-expression signature was found in patients with bacterial pneumonia or systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The gene-expression profile of influenza infection persisted through 5 days of follow-up. Furthermore, in patients with primary H1N1 influenza A infection in whom bacterial co-infection subsequently developed, the influenza gene-expression signature remained unaltered, despite the presence of a superimposed bacterial infection.

Conclusions

The whole-blood expression-profiling data indicate that the host response to influenza pneumonia is distinctly different from that caused by bacterial pathogens. This information may speed the identification of the cause of infection in patients presenting with severe respiratory failure, allowing appropriate patient care to be undertaken more rapidly.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Diacerhein attenuates the inflammatory response and improves survival in a model of severe sepsis
Authors: Calisto Kelly L , Camacho Angélica C , Mittestainer Francine C , Carvalho Bruno M , Guadagnini Dioze , Carvalheira José B , Saad Mario J
Published: August 2012

Introduction

Hyperglycemia and insulin resistance have been associated with a worse outcome in sepsis. Although tight glycemic control through insulin therapy has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality rates, the effect of intensive insulin therapy in patients with severe sepsis is controversial because of the increased risk of serious adverse events related to hypoglycemia. Recently, knowledge about diacerhein, an anthraquinone drug with powerful antiinflammatory properties, revealed that this drug improves insulin sensitivity, mediated by the reversal of chronic subclinical inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the antiinflammatory effects of diacerhein after onset of sepsis-induced glycemic alterations is beneficial and whether the survival rate is prolonged in this situation.

Methods

Diffuse sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture surgery (CLP) in male Wistar rats. Blood glucose and inflammatory cytokine levels were assessed 24 hours after CLP. The effect of diacerhein on survival of septic animals was investigated in parallel with insulin signaling and its modulators in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue.

Results

Here we demonstrated that diacerhein treatment improves survival during peritoneal-induced sepsis and inhibits sepsis-induced insulin resistance by improving insulin signaling via increased insulin-receptor substrate-1-associated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activity and Akt phosphorylation. Diacerhein also decreases the activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling that involves upregulation of proinflammatory pathways, such as the I kappa B kinase and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase, which blunts insulin-induced insulin signaling in liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Additionally, our data show that this drug promoted downregulation of proinflammatory signaling cascades that culminate in transcription of immunomodulatory factors such interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that diacerhein treatment increases survival and attenuates the inflammatory response with a significant effect on insulin sensitivity. On the basis of efficacy and safety profile, diacerhein represents a novel antiinflammatory therapy for management of insulin resistance in sepsis and a potential approach for future clinical trials.
Potential of Individual Cow Scatter Correction for an Improved Accuracy of near Infrared Milk Composition Analysis
Authors: Melfsen Andreas , Hartung Eberhard , Haeussermann Angelika
Published: August 2012

Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy has the potential to quickly analyse raw milk composition on the farm. The accurate determination of individual cow's milk composition changes can indicate health imbalances and, hence, support herd management. The accuracy of NIR calibration models are highly influenced by individual cow scatter effects in the NIR spectra based, to a large extent, on individual scattering effects of milk fat globules (MFG). In this study the potential of an individual cow scatter correction was investigated. A total of 1151 milk samples were taken from 12 Holstein cows and used for spectra acquired in the 851–1649 nm wavelength range with a diode array spectrometer. Corresponding milk samples from the composite milkings were used for reference analysis. Individual cow scatter correction factors were developed from raw milk samples and homogenised milk samples. Calibration models based on the partial least squares (PLS)-regression method from corrected and uncorrected spectra were compared with regard to their prediction accuracy of fat (%), protein (%), lactose (%) and urea content (mgL−1) as well as logarithmised somatic cell count (log SCC) in milk. Prediction of fat content in raw milk was excellent both with and without scatter correction. Improved calibration results were obtained particularly for predicting the content of protein, lactose, urea and log SCC in raw milk when calibration models were based on the corrected spectra. Compared to prediction results of the uncorrected dataset, root mean square error was reduced by up to 25%.
Assessment of Titratable Acidity in Fruit Using Short Wave near Infrared Spectroscopy. Part A: Establishing a Detection Limit Based on Model Solutions
Authors: Subedi Phul P. , Walsh Kerry B. , Hopkins David. W.
Published: August 2012

Spectra (700–2500 nm) of citric acid dissolved in water possess features interpreted as being due to the dilution and perturbation of water OH stretching and combination bands (with the second and first overtones of OH stretching at 960 nm and 1420 nm, respectively, and a combination band of OH vibration at 2132 nm) and also to citric acid OH stretching and combination bands and citric acid CH2 bands (first overtone of CH2 stretching at 1680 nm and a combination band of CH2 at 2284 nm). A searching window method was used to optimise the wavelength region for a partial least squares (PLS) regression model development (around 743–904 nm for the region below 1100 nm). Despite the apparent lack of information below 1100 nm, a PLS regression model based on transmission spectra (743–904 nm) of pure citric acid—water mixtures (standard deviation = 6.65g citric acid 100 mL−1) yielded a root mean square error of cross-validation ( RMSECV) of 0.34% and correlation coefficient of determination ( Rcv2) = 0.998. However, if the matrix was varied with 0, 10 and 13% sucrose or fruit juice, RMSECV increased to 0.79%. This RMSECV value is proposed as a benchmark for attempts to assess titratable acidity of juice based on shortwave (700–1100 nm) near infrared spectra of intact fruit collected using silicon diode array instrumentation.
Economic and Monetary Union in Europe
Authors: Bean Charles R
Published: August 2012

The European Council's Maastricht Agreement maps out a precise route to monetary union and the eventual introduction of a common currency. My discussion begins with a look at the general arguments for and against monetary union. I shall then discuss the proposed constitution of the European Central Bank and whether it is likely to be conducive to monetary stability, together with some of the problems posed by the transition to the new regime. Finally, I will turn to the issue of rules for the conduct of fiscal policy and the question of “fiscal federalism.”
Comparison of sample types for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide measured on the Siemens Immulite 2500 and Dimension Vista LOCI methods
Authors: Peake Roy WA , Turner Helen E , Leaper Wendy , Deans Kevin A , Hannah Andrew , Croal Bernard L
Published: August 2012

Background

Measurement of serum natriuretic peptides is recommended in patients with suspected heart failure. Assays for N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are available on several platforms and can be measured in serum or heparinized plasma. Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics do not recommend the use of serum for the Immulite NT-proBNP assay. Serum offers some practical advantages over plasma. We investigated the suitability of serum for use with the Immulite and Dimension Vista LOCI methods.

Methods

Paired serum and heparinized plasma samples were drawn from patients in the Cardiology Department over a 48-h period. Samples spanning the NT-proBNP concentration range 50–60,000 ng/L were analysed using the Siemens Immulite 2500 and Dimension Vista LOCI methods.

Results

There was no significant difference between serum NT-proBNP concentrations on either platform ( P = 0.0665). Plasma NT-proBNP measured using the Immulite were moderately higher than on Vista ( P < 0.0001). There was a small but statistically significant difference between plasma and serum NT-proBNP measured using the Immulite ( P = 0.0002) with plasma values higher than serum. A similar comparison between plasma and serum NT-proBNP measured using the Vista showed no difference ( P = 0.3662).

Conclusions

We have demonstrated the suitability of serum for use on the Immulite 2500. Bland–Altman comparative analysis indicated minimal bias between both serum methods near the clinical cut-off level below which heart failure is considered unlikely (400 ng/L) up to the highest concentration tested (60,000 ng/L).
Cerebrospinal Fluid Myelin Basic Protein Is Frequently Ordered but Has Little Value
Authors: Greene Dina N. , Schmidt Robert L. , Wilson Andrew R. , Freedman Mark S. , Grenache David G.
Published: August 2012

Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is facilitated by analyzing biochemical properties of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) index are well-established markers for evaluating patients suspected of having MS. Myelin basic protein (MBP) is also ordered frequently, but its usefulness remains questionable. OCB, IgG index, and MBP were measured in 16,690 consecutive CSF samples. Samples were divided into 2 groups based on MS status known (n = 71) or unknown (n = 16,118). Medical charts of the MS status known group were reviewed to determine their MS status. OCBs have a stronger association to IgG index results than does MBP. Importantly, MBP does not add a statistically significant increase in diagnostic sensitivity or specificity when used in combination with OCB and/or IgG index. The data indicate that MBP is an unnecessary and overused test.
Tissue-Specific Cadherin CDH17 Is a Useful Marker of Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinomas With Higher Sensitivity Than CDX2
Authors: Panarelli Nicole C. , Yantiss Rhonda K. , Yeh Matthew M. , Liu Yifang , Chen Yao-Tseng
Published: August 2012

Cadherin 17 (CDH17) is a cell adhesion molecule expressed in intestinal epithelium and transcriptionally regulated by CDX2. We compared the usefulness of CDH17 as an immunohistochemical intestinal marker to that of CDX2 in gastrointestinal and extragastrointestinal carcinomas and nonneoplastic tissues. Nonneoplastic intestinal and pancreatic duct epithelia were CDH17-positive. Most esophageal (79%), gastric (86%), and colonic (99%) adenocarcinomas were CDH17-positive/CDX2-positive, whereas 1% of colonic, 18% of esophageal, and 10% of gastric adenocarcinomas were CDH17-negative/CDX2-negative. Rare colonic, esophageal, and gastric adenocarcinomas were CDH17-positive/CDX2-negative (1%, 3%, and 4%, respectively), and none were CDH17-negative/CDX2-positive. Diffuse CDH17 was also observed in all metastatic colon carcinomas, 20% of which were only focally CDX2-positive. Of intestinal low-grade neuroendocrine tumors, 74% coexpressed CDX2 and CDH17. CDH17 was also positive in 12% of pancreatic and 24% of bronchial neuroendocrine tumors, all of which were CDX2-negative. Pancreatic adenocarcinomas and cholangiocarcinomas were more frequently CDH17-positive than CDX2-positive (50% vs 27%, 53% vs 27%). One (2%) hepatocellular carcinoma was CDH17-positive/CDX2-negative. Nine percent of non–small cell lung cancers and 7% of endometrial carcinomas were CDH17-positive, whereas 3% of lung, 5% of endometrial, 3% of ovarian, and 2% of breast carcinomas were CDX2-positive. Thus, CDH17 is slightly more sensitive than CDX2 when detecting gastrointestinal adenocarcinomas.
Studies on Tissue and Cellular Distribution of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase 2
Authors: Fukunaga Masakazu , Yamamoto Yasuko , Kawasoe Misaki , Arioka Yuko , Murakami Yuki , Hoshi Masato , Saito Kuniaki
Published: August 2012

Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catabolizes tryptophan to kynurenine at the first step of tryptophan metabolism. Recently, in addition to IDO1, a new isoform called IDO2 was identified. In this study, we examined the tissue expression pattern of IDO2 mRNA and the cellular localization of expressed IDO2 protein in mice. IDO1 mRNA expression was observed in the colon and epididymis, whereas IDO2 mRNA expression was found in the cerebral cortex, liver, kidney, and epididymis. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that IDO2 protein was exclusively expressed on the hepatocytes, interlobular bile ducts, neuronal cells of the cerebrum cortex, Purkinje cells of the cerebellum cortex, lamina epithelialis, proximal convoluted tubule, and the collecting tubule of the kidney. In the epididymis, IDO1 protein expression was restricted to the caput, whereas IDO2 protein expression was observed on the caput, corpus, and cauda. Both IDO proteins were expressed on the caput, but both showed a different protein expression pattern in the segments. Immunohistochemical analysis in IDO1−/− mouse epididymis showed that IDO2 protein was extensively upregulated due to the loss of IDO1 expression.
The association of cardiac ventricular hypertrophy with congenital hyperinsulinism
Authors: Banerjee Indraneel , Avatapalle Bindu , Petkar Anjali , Skae Mars , Padidela Raja , Ehtisham Sarah , Patel Leena , Rigby Lindsey , Flanagan Sarah , Ellard Sian , Jones Caroline , Ciotti Giovanna , Malaiya Nilima , Clayton Peter E
Published: August 2012

Objective

Ventricular hypertrophy (VH) has been observed in children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), a condition of hypoglycaemia characterised by dysregulated insulin secretion, but the prevalence is not known.

Patients and methods

Cardiac assessment was performed in children (n=49) with CHI at diagnosis and follow-up. Two dimensional and Doppler echocardiography studies were used to assess cardiac structures, while M-mode study was used to measure left ventricular (LV) dimensions, subsequently converted to Z scores. Where possible, LV hypertrophy was confirmed by LV mass index (g/m2.7) >95th centile.

Results

Cardiac structural lesions were found in 14 (28%) children. At initial echocardiography, VH was present in 31 (65%) children with median (range) LV posterior wall dimension in diastole Z scores of +1.6 (−2.4 to +5.8) and interventricular septal wall dimension in end diastole Z scores of +1.9 (−1.7 to +17.2). At follow-up echocardiography, performed after an interval of 178 (45–390) days, VH persisted in 16 (33%) children. In regression analysis, the presence of VH (odds ratio (95% confidence intervals) 1.1 (1.0–1.2), P=0.04) at initial echocardiography was correlated with maximum glucose requirement at diagnosis, indicating that severity of CHI at presentation may play a role in the pathogenesis of VH.

Conclusions

A significant proportion of children with CHI have cardiac structural lesions. A majority also have VH, which may be associated with the severity of CHI at diagnosis. VH may persist in some children, which requires careful long-term cardiac review.
Study of Colonial Manuscripts from San Nicolás Coatepec, México, Through UV&IR Imaging and XRF
Authors: García Jocelyn Alcántara , Ruvalcaba Sil José Luis , Van der Meeren Marie
Published: August 2012

The necessity of studying cultural heritage through non-invasive and non-destructive techniques has led to significant advances in the last decade. One of the most recent advancements in this theme in Mexico is the portable X-ray system SANDRA, which was used to study three manuscripts directly related to the history of “San Nicolás Coatepec”, Mexico. X-ray fluorescence was chosen as the suitable technique because it can provide a fast qualitative and quantitative multielemental high sensitivity analysis. The documents were examined globally, using imaging techniques with UV and IR lighting. This research evinced a change in the composition and evolution of writing materials (inks and pigments) and provided information concerning historical use of the documents and its actual legal value as a property document. It also stressed the need of spanning these results to an extensive research attaining other regions of Mexico, in order to fully understand the Mexican documents particularities, aging and deterioration. This, in turn, will provide not only historical material information but also an invaluable scoop to understand deterioration and conservation issues.
The Influence of Glass in the Color of Red Lakes Layers in Oil Painting: A Case Study in a Pictorial Series Attributed to Murillo Located in Guadalajara, Mexico
Authors: Arroyo Elsa , Lara Adriana Cruz , Espinosa Manuel , Ruvalcaba José Luis , Zetina Sandra , Hernández Elsa , Taylor Shannon
Published: August 2012

This paper discuss the presence of powdered glass and quartz integrated in the red lake layers of two paintings attributed to the Sevillian painter Bartolome Esteban Murillo that belongs to the Guadalajara’s Regional Museum’s art collection. A laboratory experimental reproduction of the Sevillian painting technique was made using three different lakes (cochineal, madder lake and brazilwood) mixed with four varieties of glass to explore the optical properties and the influence of the transparent and translucent aggregates into the oil paint layers. The experimental reproductions were analyzed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, optical and fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX). A comparison between the originals and the reproduced red lakes layers was carried out to understand the artistic process of Murillo’s color application. Preliminary results suggest that glass was not used as a siccative agent as the historical treatises mentioned but mainly as an additive to increase brightness, thickness and color saturation of the red lake layers related to the artist’s intention.
Technological and Material Characterization of Lapidary Artifacts from Tamtoc Archaeological Site, Mexico
Authors: Melgar Emiliano , Solís Reyna , Ruvalcaba José Luis
Published: August 2012

Tamtoc is a very important archaeological site in San Luis Potosi, in the Central region of Mexico. The pre-Hispanic Huastec culture developed in this site (900-1100 A.D.). During the archaeological excavations, a large amount of lithic artifacts were recovered from burials and offerings. Among them, pieces of semitransparent crystalline objects of color blue, green, yellow and white and green stone pieces were discovered in one of the most important ceremonial precinct, inside a water reservoir of the monument 32 “The Priestess”. The aim of this work is to measure the composition of the artifacts for provenance study and to establish the manufacturing technique and tools used to produce them. For material analysis, a combined analysis involving X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy was applied. The main elements as well as some traces can be measured by XRF while the mineral identification can be established by Raman. The results indicate that most of the pieces are calcite with traces of rare elements.

On the other hand, experimental archaeology using a well established methodology of optical and electron microscopy examination of the manufacturing traces was applied. From this technological study the specific use of tools and materials were established for this site.
Identification of Microorganisms Associated to the Biodegradation of Historic Masonry Structure in San Francisco de Campeche City, México
Authors: Escamilla Pérez Rocío G. , Trujeque Javier Reyes , López Tezozomoc Pérez , Padilla Víctor Monteón , Alcántara Ruth López
Published: August 2012

Tropical climate create ideal conditions for the development of microbial communities associated with biodegradation of historic buildings made with stony materials. This is the case of Fort San Carlos, a historic colonial building representative of military tendencies during the XVII century in San Francisco de Campeche City. In this study the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), was used to identify microorganisms related with the biodegradation of its masonry structure. Specific primers for amplification of 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA genes were used for organisms identification by PCR. Amplification products were sequenced and after that compared with GENBANK nucleotide database using-BLASTn. Results indicated that microbial communities associated to biodegradation of the Fort San Carlos are bacteria from the Phyla Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria.
Morphometric Characterization of the Maize: A Case Study in Postclassic Xaltocan
Authors: Lona Naoli Victoria
Published: August 2012

Xaltocan used to be an island located North of the Basin of Mexico in the bed of the lake of the same name, the occupation of which has been continuous for 1100 years. The area’s environment includes the island, the lake and the shore Xaltocan saline land and deep alluvial soil, the foothills and mountains, areas that provide different resources, whose exploitation is clear from the Paleoethnobotanical remains recovered from archaeological excavations.

Maize, basic resource in the daily life of Xaltocan, was also affected by sociopolitical and economic circumstances, so, it is possible that a different type of maize was used in each period of the locality. This is the interesting point to characterize morphometrically the maize from a context housing for the early Postclassic. To do so requires the application of different techniques (methodical process) to get to the characterization of corn: sample, flotation, separation and identification, measurement of corn through a microscope that could be complemented with electron microscopy scanning (SEM) to reveal possible microstructure.

In the measurement technique applied to the samples, the cob is divided into different sections; all of them can be measured, element by element, with a stereoscopic microscope for subsequent statistical analysis.

The study includes 231 sediment samples, distributed in 19 different depths and areas inside and outside of two dwelling domestic units. From 31,230 macrorremains, 6,140 were identified as Zea mays.
Photoacoustic Analysis of Natural Indigo, Palygorskite and Synthetic Maya Blue
Authors: Rosales Córdova Carlos Aldebarán , de Ita de la Torre Antonio , Guzman Rosalba Castañeda
Published: August 2012

Maya blue is an organic / inorganic pigment which is composed principally by two elements: a white clay known as palygorskite (in the Mayan dialect Sakalum), and a blue dye called indigo, this dye is extracted from the plant Indigofera suffruticosa. The mixture and the warming of these two elements produce the Maya blue, which exhibits unusual features such as: resistance to the assault of the acids in warm or high temperatures, his persistent color in spite of having been exposed to different climatic conditions as a result of the passage of time and the specific chemical composition that this pigment presents.

In the present investigation natural indigo, palygorskite and synthetic maya blue were analyzed with a new implementation technique called photoacoustic analysis, which detects the structural changes that happen in the material under a controlled increase of temperature. Due to the fact that this technology detects with clarity where the structural changes happen but not that type of changes happen, it used as base termogravimetric analysis. One of the important findings, it was that in the spectrum of the synthetic maya blue were detected the structural changes of the clay and the dye, something that with other used technologies had not been achieved to observe.
Site-Specific Analysis of Deformation Patterns on Archaeological Heritage by Satellite Radar Interferometry
Authors: Tapete Deodato , Cigna Francesca
Published: August 2012

Exploitation of satellite radar interferometry on huge cultural heritage sites can facilitate the recognition of spatially distributed deformation patterns, whose morphology, jointly with the analysis of displacement time series, could clarify the nature of ongoing deterioration phenomena threatening the conservation of exposed archaeological heritage. Radar-interpretation is used on selected case studies located in Southern Italy to demonstrate the feasibility of Persistent Scatterers (PS) analyses for site-specific detection of superficial deformation, correlated to natural and/or human-induced instability processes. Evidence of subsidence for the radar targets identified within the archaeological area of Capo Colonna, Central Calabria, confirms the susceptibility of the entire promontory to ground instability, with potential effects on the ruins. Similarly, the uplift/subsidence patterns on the monumental area of Pozzuoli, W of Naples, testify the exposure of the geologic substratum underneath the archaeological structures to the active dynamics of the Campi Flegrei volcanic complex. Finally, the satellite analysis on the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Sicily, exemplifies the capability to distinguish differential displacement trends and seasonal variations within single PS time series.
Lei do Abate, guerra às drogas e defesa nacional
Authors: Feitosa Gustavo Raposo Pereira , Pinheiro José Augusto de Oliveira
Published: August 2012

O presente artigo analisa o processo de criação e regulamentação da Lei do Abate no Brasil, que autoriza a derrubada em pleno voo de aeronaves civis suspeitas de envolvimento no tráfico de drogas. Investigam-se as relações entre a elaboração da Lei do Abate, a política de guerra às drogas propagada pelos EUA e as preocupações estratégicas dos militares brasileiros acerca da segurança da Região Amazônica. Como parte da contextualização da criação dos programas de interdição aérea baseados no abate de aeronaves, estudam-se as origens e as transformações das políticas antidrogas dos EUA desde a década de 1960 e o modelo de guerra às drogas (War on Drugs). Analisa-se também o processo de discussão parlamentar no Brasil sobre a Lei do Abate e os debates para a sua regulamentação. A pesquisa ocorreu por meio da análise de documentos produzidos pelos governos dos EUA (abertos e sigilosos reclassificados) e do Brasil, da investigação dos anais do Congresso Nacional e do estudo de livros e artigos científicos nacionais e estrangeiros. Verifica-se que os programas que autorizam o abate nascem sob a justificativa do combate ao tráfico, mas se ligam às necessidades militares específicas de Peru e Colômbia. A lei brasileira surge para combater o transporte aéreo ilícito vinculado ao tráfico; contudo, sua origem e os debates posteriores para sua regulamentação submetem-se ao condicionamento dos temores e projetos militares em torno da defesa da soberania sobre a Amazônia brasileira.
Os limites do poder negocial da França na UE: o caso da União para o Mediterrâneo
Authors: Guimarães Maria Helena
Published: August 2012

A partir de um estudo de caso sobre a iniciativa da França de criação de uma União do Mediterrâneo, o artigo testa a hipótese de que de que os "grandes" Estados da União Europeia, embora concentrando importantes recursos de poder negocial, comprometem significativamente os seus objetivos negociais se sobre-estenderem esses poderes.
O papel do Itamaraty na definição da política externa do governo Collor de Mello
Authors: Casarões Guilherme Stolle Paixão e
Published: August 2012

O objetivo deste trabalho é investigar o papel do Ministério das Relações Exteriores na política externa do governo Collor, relação comumente observada como frágil. Argumenta-se que, em vez de marginalizar o Itamaraty, o presidente reconfigurou a chancelaria, tanto em termos de seus decisores principais quanto em termos administrativos. A consequência foi o estabelecimento de uma política externa de feições mais liberais - um americanismo mitigado - em sintonia com os objetivos tradicionais das relações exteriores do Brasil.
Ecology of neotropical mistletoes: an important canopy-dwelling component of Brazilian ecosystems
Authors: Arruda Rafael , Fadini Rodrigo Ferreira , Carvalho Lucélia Nobre , Del-Claro Kleber , Mourão Fabiana Alves , Jacobi Claudia Maria , Teodoro Grazielle Sales , Berg Eduardo van den , Caires Claudenir Simões , Dettke Greta Aline
Published: August 2012

Mistletoes have been studied in temperate countries regularly because they can be pests of cultivated plants and forest plantations. In comparison with temperate habitats, little is known about the ecology of mistletoes in the Neotropics. More emphasis should be given to neotropical mistletoes because they could be important elements of plant communities, acting as key resources for pollinators, seed dispersers and herbivores. Using a combination of findings from early mistletoe studies and empirical evidence from several recent case studies, we report emerging patterns of mistletoe interactions with associated organisms and propose aims for further studies. There has been increasing interest in working with mistletoes in Brazil. Although there are some data on the ecology of mistletoe seed dispersal, reproductive biology studies are scarce and represent a wide range of fieldwork to be explored. Knowledge of the basic biology of mistletoes will be very important for modeling their spatial distribution using metapopulation or epidemiological approaches. In this review, we summarize the studies conducted in the neotropical region in order to provide a framework for current research and new ideas for future investigations of mistletoes, especially in Brazil.
Postural evaluation in children with atypical swallowing: radiographic study
Authors: Machado Júnior Almiro José , Crespo Agrício Nubiato
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: To evaluate the cranial posture on lateral teleradiographs of children with atypical swallowing in mixed dentition. METHODS: By using cephalometric analysis on lateral teleradiographs, the angles between the odontoid process and cranial base (CC1) and the odontoid process and Frankfurt plane (CC2) were measured in two groups: 55 teleradiographs from the experimental group (with atypical swallowing), and 55 lateral teleradiographs from the control group (normal swallowing). These angular measurements were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The means of the variable CC1 were 99.95 degrees in the experimental group and 96.42 degrees in the control group, with significant difference between them. The means of the variable CC2 were 90.60 degrees in the experimental group and 86.35 degrees in the control group, which was also statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The angles CC1 and CC2 are increased in the group with atypical swallowing.
Social cognitive performance and different communication settings in groups of children with different disorders
Authors: Cardoso Carla , Rocha Juliana Fernandes Lomba da , Moreira Catarina Santana , Pinto Amanda Luz
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: To investigate the social-cognitive performance of children with diagnostics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental disability (MD) and hearing impairment (HI) in two different communicative situations. METHODS: Participated in this study 30 children ages between 3 and 12 years starting speech language therapy processes, divided in three groups: Group 1 - ten children with diagnoses included in the Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); Group 2: ten children diagnosed with mental disabilities (MD) and Group 3: ten children diagnosed with hearing impairment (HI). The subjects were assessed in two different communicative situations (group and individual therapy situation) for 12 months. RESULTS: Data regarding the performance of the three groups in the two situations show that G3 had better absolute performance when compared with other groups, with the variable symbolic play as an important differential criterion for the three groups. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the social-cognitive performance can be used as an auxiliary tool for intervention, helping the identification of variables that could interfere in the communicative performance.
The complexity of narrative interferes in the use of conjunctions in children with specific language impairment
Authors: Gonzalez Deborah Oliveira , Cáceres Ana Manhani , Bento-Gaz Ana Carolina Paiva , Befi-Lopes Debora Maria
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: To verify the use of conjunctions in narratives, and to investigate the influence of stimuli's complexity over the type of conjunctions used by children with specific language impairment (SLI) and children with typical language development. METHODS: Participants were 40 children (20 with typical language development and 20 with SLI) with ages between 7 and 10 years, paired by age range. Fifteen stories with increasing of complexity were used to obtain the narratives; stories were classified into mechanical, behavioral and intentional, and each of them was represented by four scenes. Narratives were analyzed according to occurrence and classification of conjunctions. RESULTS: Both groups used more coordinative than subordinate conjunctions, with significant decrease in the use of conjunctions in the discourse of SLI children. The use of conjunctions varied according to the type of narrative: for coordinative conjunctions, both groups differed only between intentional and behavioral narratives, with higher occurrence in behavioral ones; for subordinate conjunctions, typically developing children's performance did not show differences between narratives, while SLI children presented fewer occurrences in intentional narratives, which was different from other narratives. CONCLUSION: Both groups used more coordinative than subordinate conjunctions; however, typically developing children presented more conjunctions than SLI children. The production of children with SLI was influenced by stimulus, since more complex narratives has less use of subordinate conjunctions.
The relation between auditory discrimination and phonological disorder
Authors: Brancalioni Ana Rita , Bertagnolli Ana Paula Coitino , Bonini Joviane Bagolin , Gubiani Marileda Barrichelo , Keske-Soares Márcia
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: To determine the most frequent errors of children with phonological disorders in an auditory discrimination test, and to correlate their performance with age, gender and severity of phonological disorder. METHODS: The sample consisted of 82 children with phonological disorders, of both gender, with ages between 4 years and 7 years and 11 months. All subjects were submitted to the Phonological Assessment of Child (Avaliação Fonológica da Criança) in order to establish the severity of phonological disorder, and to the auditory discrimination test. Data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: It was found that 38% of the subjects had poor results on the test, and the most frequent errors were: posteriorization, devoicing of stops, and semivocalization of liquid consonants. Moreover, it was observed that auditory discrimination difficulties were less frequent in older subjects, and more severe according to the severity of the phonological disorder. CONCLUSION: Great part of the children with phonological disorders has difficulties in auditory discrimination. However, these difficulties were less frequent in older subjects and more severe according to the severity of the disorder. Male subjects seem to have more difficulty in discriminating speech sounds.
Electrophysiological study of hearing in full-term small-for-gestational-age newborns
Authors: Angrisani Rosanna Mariangela Giaffredo , Azevedo Marisa Frasson De , Carvallo Renata Mota Mamede , Diniz Edna Maria de Albuquerque , Matas Carla Gentile
Published: August 2012

PURPOSE: To describe the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential (BAEP) results of full-term small-for-gestational-age newborns, comparing them to the results of full-term appropriate-for-gestational-age newborns, in order to verify whether the small-for-gestational-age condition is a risk indicator for retrocochlear hearing impairment. METHODS: This multicentric prospective cross-sectional study assessed 86 full-term newborns - 47 small- (Study Group) and 39 appropriate-for-gestational-age (Control Group - of both genders, with ages between 2 and 12 days. Newborns with presence of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions and type A tympanometry were included in the study. Quantitative analysis was based on the mean and standard deviation of the absolute latencies of waves I, III and V and interpeak intervals I-III, III-V and I-V, for each group. For qualitative analysis, the BAEP results were classified as normal or altered by analyzing these data considering the age range of the newborn at the time of testing. RESULTS: In the Study Group, nine of the 18 (38%) subjects with altered BAEP results had the condition of small-for-gestational-age as the only risk factor for hearing impairments. In the Control Group, seven (18%) had altered results. Female subjects from the Study Group tended to present more central alterations. In the Control Group, the male group tended to have more alterations. CONCLUSION: Full-term children born small or appropriate for gestational age might present transitory or permanent central hearing impairments, regardless of the presence of risk indicators.