bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromatin accessibility, p300, and histone acetylation define PML-RARα and AML1-ETO binding sites in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Saeed Sadia , Logie Colin , Francoijs Kees-Jan , Frigè Gianmaria , Romanenghi Mauro , Nielsen Fiona G. , Raats Lianne , Shahhoseini Maryam , Huynen Martijn , Altucci Lucia , Minucci Saverio , Martens Joost H. A. , Stunnenberg Hendrik G.
Published: August 2012

Chromatin accessibility plays a key role in regulating cell type specific gene expression during hematopoiesis but has also been suggested to be aberrantly regulated during leukemogenesis. To understand the leukemogenic chromatin signature, we analyzed acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of leukemia characterized by the expression of RARα-fusion proteins, such as PML-RARα. We used nuclease accessibility sequencing in cell lines as well as patient blasts to identify accessible DNA elements and identified > 100 000 accessible regions in each case. Using ChIP-seq, we identified H2A.Z as a histone modification generally associated with these accessible regions, whereas unsupervised clustering analysis of other chromatin features, including DNA methylation, H2A.Zac, H3ac, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and the regulatory factor p300, distinguished 6 distinct clusters of accessible sites, each with a characteristic functional makeup. Of these, PML-RARα binding was found specifically at accessible chromatin regions characterized by p300 binding and hypoacetylated histones. Identifying regions with a similar epigenetic make up in t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells, another subtype of AMLs, revealed that these regions are occupied by the oncofusion protein AML1-ETO. Together, our results suggest that oncofusion proteins localize to accessible regions and that chromatin accessibility together with p300 binding and histone acetylation characterize AML1-ETO and PML-RARα binding sites.
HLA-DP genetic variation, proxies for early life immune modulation and childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk
Authors: Urayama Kevin Y. , Chokkalingam Anand P. , Metayer Catherine , Ma Xiaomei , Selvin Steve , Barcellos Lisa F. , Wiemels Joseph L. , Wiencke John K. , Taylor Malcolm , Brennan Paul , Dahl Gary V. , Moonsamy Priscilla , Erlich Henry A. , Trachtenberg Elizabeth , Buffler Patricia A.
Published: August 2012

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes are candidate genetic susceptibility loci for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). We examined the effect of HLA-DP genetic variation on risk and evaluated its potential interaction with 4 proxies for early immune modulation, including measures of infectious exposures in infancy (presence of older siblings, daycare attendance, ear infections) and breastfeeding. A total of 585 ALL cases and 848 controls were genotyped at the HLA-DPA1 and DPB1 loci. Because of potential heterogeneity in effect by race/ethnicity, we included only non-Hispanic white (47%) and Hispanic (53%) children and considered these 2 groups separately in the analysis. Logistic regression analyses showed an increased risk of ALL associated with HLA-DPB1*01:01 (odds ratio [OR] = 1.43, 95% CI, 1.01-2.04) with no heterogeneity by Hispanic ethnicity (P = .969). Analyses of DPB1 supertypes showed a marked childhood ALL association with DP1, particularly for high-hyperdiploid ALL (OR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.20-2.78). Evidence of interaction was found between DP1 and older sibling (P = .036), and between DP1 and breastfeeding (P = .094), with both showing statistically significant DP1 associations within the lower exposure categories only. These findings support an immune mechanism in the etiology of childhood ALL involving the HLA-DPB1 gene in the context of an insufficiently modulated immune system.
PSTPIP2 deficiency in mice causes osteopenia and increased differentiation of multipotent myeloid precursors into osteoclasts
Authors: Chitu Violeta , Nacu Viorel , Charles Julia F. , Henne William M. , McMahon Harvey T. , Nandi Sayan , Ketchum Halley , Harris Renee , Nakamura Mary C. , Stanley E. Richard
Published: August 2012

Missense mutations that reduce or abrogate myeloid cell expression of the F-BAR domain protein, proline serine threonine phosphatase-interacting protein 2 (PSTPIP2), lead to autoinflammatory disease involving extramedullary hematopoiesis, skin and bone lesions. However, little is known about how PSTPIP2 regulates osteoclast development. Here we examined how PSTPIP2 deficiency causes osteopenia and bone lesions, using the mouse PSTPIP2 mutations, cmo, which fails to express PSTPIP2 and Lupo, in which PSTPIP2 is dysfunctional. In both models, serum levels of the pro-osteoclastogenic factor, MIP-1α, were elevated and CSF-1 receptor (CSF-1R)–dependent production of MIP-1α by macrophages was increased. Treatment of cmo mice with a dual specificity CSF-1R and c-Kit inhibitor, PLX3397, decreased circulating MIP-1α and ameliorated the extramedullary hematopoiesis, inflammation, and osteopenia, demonstrating that aberrant myelopoiesis drives disease. Purified osteoclast precursors from PSTPIP2-deficient mice exhibit increased osteoclastogenesis in vitro and were used to probe the structural requirements for PSTPIP2 suppression of osteoclast development. PSTPIP2 tyrosine phosphorylation and a functional F-BAR domain were essential for PSTPIP2 inhibition of TRAP expression and osteoclast precursor fusion, whereas interaction with PEST-type phosphatases was only required for suppression of TRAP expression. Thus, PSTPIP2 acts as a negative feedback regulator of CSF-1R signaling to suppress inflammation and osteoclastogenesis.
H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation co-occur at many gene regulatory elements, while H3K14ac marks a subset of inactive inducible promoters in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Karmodiya Krishanpal , Krebs Arnaud R , Oulad-Abdelghani Mustapha , Kimura Hiroshi , Tora Laszlo
Published: August 2012

Background

Transcription regulation in pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells is a complex process that involves multitude of regulatory layers, one of which is post-translational modification of histones. Acetylation of specific lysine residues of histones plays a key role in regulating gene expression.

Results

Here we have investigated the genome-wide occurrence of two histone marks, acetylation of histone H3K9 and K14 (H3K9ac and H3K14ac), in mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells. Genome-wide H3K9ac and H3K14ac show very high correlation between each other as well as with other histone marks (such as H3K4me3) suggesting a coordinated regulation of active histone marks. Moreover, the levels of H3K9ac and H3K14ac directly correlate with the CpG content of the promoters attesting the importance of sequences underlying the specifically modified nucleosomes. Our data provide evidence that H3K9ac and H3K14ac are also present over the previously described bivalent promoters, along with H3K4me3 and H3K27me3. Furthermore, like H3K27ac, H3K9ac and H3K14ac can also differentiate active enhancers from inactive ones. Although, H3K9ac and H3K14ac, a hallmark of gene activation exhibit remarkable correlation over active and bivalent promoters as well as distal regulatory elements, a subset of inactive promoters is selectively enriched for H3K14ac.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that chromatin modifications, such as H3K9ac and H3K14ac, are part of the active promoter state, are present over bivalent promoters and active enhancers and that the extent of H3K9 and H3K14 acetylation could be driven by cis regulatory elements such as CpG content at promoters. Our study also suggests that a subset of inactive promoters is selectively and specifically enriched for H3K14ac. This observation suggests that histone acetyl transferases (HATs) prime inactive genes by H3K14ac for stimuli dependent activation. In conclusion our study demonstrates a wider role for H3K9ac and H3K14ac in gene regulation than originally thought.
SNPs in stress-responsive rice genes: validation, genotyping, functional relevance and population structure
Authors: Parida Swarup K , Mukerji Mitali , Singh Ashok K , Singh Nagendra K , Mohapatra Trilochan
Published: August 2012

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) validation and large-scale genotyping are required to maximize the use of DNA sequence variation and determine the functional relevance of candidate genes for complex stress tolerance traits through genetic association in rice. We used the bead array platform-based Illumina GoldenGate assay to validate and genotype SNPs in a select set of stress-responsive genes to understand their functional relevance and study the population structure in rice.

Results

Of the 384 putative SNPs assayed, we successfully validated and genotyped 362 (94.3%). Of these 325 (84.6%) showed polymorphism among the 91 rice genotypes examined. Physical distribution, degree of allele sharing, admixtures and introgression, and amino acid replacement of SNPs in 263 abiotic and 62 biotic stress-responsive genes provided clues for identification and targeted mapping of trait-associated genomic regions. We assessed the functional and adaptive significance of validated SNPs in a set of contrasting drought tolerant upland and sensitive lowland rice genotypes by correlating their allelic variation with amino acid sequence alterations in catalytic domains and three-dimensional secondary protein structure encoded by stress-responsive genes. We found a strong genetic association among SNPs in the nine stress-responsive genes with upland and lowland ecological adaptation. Higher nucleotide diversity was observed in indica accessions compared with other rice sub-populations based on different population genetic parameters. The inferred ancestry of 16% among rice genotypes was derived from admixed populations with the maximum between upland aus and wild Oryza species.

Conclusions

SNPs validated in biotic and abiotic stress-responsive rice genes can be used in association analyses to identify candidate genes and develop functional markers for stress tolerance in rice.
Precipitating and relieving factors of migraine versus tension type headache
Authors: Haque Badrul , Rahman Kazi Mohibur , Hoque Azharul , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Khan Sharif Uddin , Alam Mondal Badrul , Habib Mansur , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: August 2012

Background

To determine the differences of precipitating and relieving factors between migraine and tension type headache.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study. We retrospectively reviewed the records of 250 migraine patients and 250 patients diagnosed as tension type headache from the specialized headache clinic in Dept. of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Data were collected through a predesigned questionnaire containing information on age, sex, social status and a predetermined list of precipitating and relieving factors.

Results

In this study, the female patients predominated (67%). Most of the patients were within 21–30 years age group (58.6%). About 58% of them belonged to middle class families. The common precipitating factors like stress, anxiety, activity, journey, reading, cold and warm were well distributed among both the migraine and tension type headache (TTH) patients. But significant difference was demonstrated for fatigue (p < 0.05), sleep deprivation (p < 0.05), sunlight (p < 0.01) and food (p < 0.05), which were common among migraineurs. In consideration of relieving factors of pain, different maneuvers were commonly tried by migraineurs and significant difference were observed for both analgesic drug and massage (p < 0.05), which relieved migraine headache. But maneuvers like sleep, rest and posture were used by both groups.

Conclusion

The most frequent precipitating factors for headache appear to be identical for both migraine and TTH patients. Even though some factors like fatigue, sleep deprivation, sunlight and food significantly precipitate migraine and drug, massage are effective maneuver for relieving pain among migrianeurs.
Different associations of white matter lesions with depression and cognition
Authors: Lee Jun-Young , Insel Philip , Mackin R Scott , Schuff Norbert , Chui Helena , DeCarli Charles , Park Kee Hyung , Mueller Susanne G , Weiner Michael W
Published: August 2012

Background

To test the hypothesis that white matter lesions (WML) are primarily associated with regional frontal cortical volumes, and to determine the mediating effects of these regional frontal cortices on the associations of WML with depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction.

Methods

Structural brains MRIs were performed on 161 participants: cognitively normal, cognitive impaired but not demented, and demented participants. Lobar WML volumes, regional frontal cortical volumes, depressive symptom severity, and cognitive abilities were measured. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to identify WML volume effects on frontal cortical volume. Structural equation modeling was used to determine the MRI-depression and the MRI-cognition path relationships.

Results

WML predicted frontal cortical volume, particularly in medial orbirtofrontal cortex, irrespective of age, gender, education, and group status. WML directly predicted depressive score, and this relationship was not mediated by regional frontal cortices. In contrast, the association between WML and cognitive function was indirect and mediated by regional frontal cortices.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in older adults may differ.
Current status and emerging role of glutathione in food grade lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Pophaly Sarang Dilip , Singh Rameshwar , Pophaly Saurabh Dilip , Kaushik Jai K , Tomar Sudhir Kumar
Published: August 2012

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have taken centre stage in perspectives of modern fermented food industry and probiotic based therapeutics. These bacteria encounter various stress conditions during industrial processing or in the gastrointestinal environment. Such conditions are overcome by complex molecular assemblies capable of synthesizing and/or metabolizing molecules that play a specific role in stress adaptation. Thiols are important class of molecules which contribute towards stress management in cell. Glutathione, a low molecular weight thiol antioxidant distributed widely in eukaryotes and Gram negative organisms, is present sporadically in Gram positive bacteria. However, new insights on its occurrence and role in the latter group are coming to light. Some LAB and closely related Gram positive organisms are proposed to possess glutathione synthesis and/or utilization machinery. Also, supplementation of glutathione in food grade LAB is gaining attention for its role in stress protection and as a nutrient and sulfur source. Owing to the immense benefits of glutathione, its release by probiotic bacteria could also find important applications in health improvement. This review presents our current understanding about the status of glutathione and its role as an exogenously added molecule in food grade LAB and closely related organisms.
Modulation of ovine SBD-1 expression by 17beta-estradiol in ovine oviduct epithelial cells
Authors: Wen Shiyong , Cao Guifang , Bao Tuya , Cheng LanLing , Li Haijun , Du Chenguang , Tu Yong , Li Qi , Jian Ruizhen , Zhao Pengwei ,   Wuriliga
Published: August 2012

Background

Mucosal epithelia, including those of the oviduct, secrete antimicrobial innate immune molecules (AIIMS). These have bactericidal/bacteriostatic functions against a variety of pathogens. Among the AIIMs, sheep β-defensin-1 (SBD-1) is one of the most potent. Even though the SBD-1 is an important AIIM and it is regulated closely by estrogenic hormone, the regulation mechanism of 17β-estradiol has not been clearly established. We investigated the effects of E2and agonist or inhibitor on ovine oviduct epithelial cells in regard to SBD-1 expression using reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). In addition, three different pathways were inhibited separately or simultaneously to confirm the effect of different inhibitors in the regulation mechanism.

Results

17beta-estradiol (E2) induced release of SBD-1 in ovine oviduct epithelial cells. SBD-1 expression was mediated through G-protein-coupled receptor 30 (GPR30) and Estrogen Receptors (ERs) activation in ovine oviduct epithelial cell. Inhibition of gene expression of protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) led to a decreased SBD-1 expression.

Conclusions

Taken together, E2-induced up-regulation of SBD-1 expressions were GPR30-dependent during prophase and ERs-dependent during later-stage in ovine oviduct epithelial cells, and we assume that the effect was completed by the PKA, PKC, and NF-κB pathways simultaneous.
Topological effects of data incompleteness of gene regulatory networks
Authors: Sanz Joaquin , Cozzo Emanuele , Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Moreno Yamir
Published: August 2012

Background

The topological analysis of biological networks has been a prolific topic in network science during the last decade. A persistent problem with this approach is the inherent uncertainty and noisy nature of the data. One of the cases in which this situation is more marked is that of transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) in bacteria. The datasets are incomplete because regulatory pathways associated to a relevant fraction of bacterial genes remain unknown. Furthermore, direction, strengths and signs of the links are sometimes unknown or simply overlooked. Finally, the experimental approaches to infer the regulations are highly heterogeneous, in a way that induces the appearance of systematic experimental-topological correlations. And yet, the quality of the available data increases constantly.

Results

In this work we capitalize on these advances to point out the influence of data (in)completeness and quality on some classical results on topological analysis of TRNs, specially regarding modularity at different levels.

Conclusions

In doing so, we identify the most relevant factors affecting the validity of previous findings, highlighting important caveats to future prokaryotic TRNs topological analysis.
Diverse modulation of spa transcription by cell wall active antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nielsen Lene N , Roggenbuck Michael , Haaber Jakob , Ifrah Dan , Ingmer Hanne
Published: August 2012

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of various classes of clinically relevant antibiotics at sub-lethal concentrations on virulence gene expression and biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus.

Findings

LacZ promoter fusions of genes related to staphylococcal virulence were used to monitor the effects of antibiotics on gene expression in a disc diffusion assay. The selected genes were hla and spa encoding α-hemolysin and Protein A, respectively and RNAIII, the effector molecule of the agr quorum sensing system. The results were confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR. Additionally, we monitored the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of antibiotics on the ability of S. aureus to form biofilm in a microtiter plate assay. The results show that sub-lethal antibiotic concentrations diversely modulate expression of RNAIII, hla and spa. Consistently, expression of all three genes were repressed by aminoglycosides and induced by fluoroquinolones and penicillins. In contrast, the β-lactam sub-group cephalosporins enhanced expression of RNAIII and hla but diversely affected expression of spa. The compounds cefalotin, cefamandole, cefoxitin, ceftazidime and cefixine were found to up-regulate spa, while down-regulation was observed for cefuroxime, cefotaxime and cefepime. Interestingly, biofilm assays demonstrated that the spa-inducing cefalotin resulted in less biofilm formation compared to the spa-repressing cefotaxime.

Conclusions

We find that independently of the cephalosporin generation, cephalosporins oppositely regulate spa expression and biofilm formation. Repression of spa expression correlates with the presence of a distinct methyloxime group while induction correlates with an acidic substituted oxime group. As cephalosporines target the cell wall penicillin binding proteins we speculate that subtle differences in this interaction fine-tunes spa expression independently of agr.
Membrane microdomain-associated uroplakin IIIa contributes to Src-dependent mechanisms of anti-apoptotic proliferation in human bladder carcinoma cells
Authors: Kihira Shigeru , Yoshida Junpei , Kawada Yukari , Hitomi Yuriko , Asada Tomohisa , Hisatomi Rie , Ohta Akina , Iwasaki Tetsushi , Mahbub Hasan A. K. M. , Fukami Yasuo , Sato Ken-ichi
Published: August 2012

Our previous study demonstrated that tyrosine phosphorylation of p145met/β-subunit of hepatocyte growth factor receptor by epidermal growth factor receptor and Src contributes to the anti-apoptotic growth of human bladder carcinoma cell 5637 under serum-starved conditions. Here, we show that some other cell lines of human bladder carcinoma, but not other types of human cancer cells, also exhibit Src-dependent, anti-apoptotic proliferation under serum-starved conditions, and that low-density, detergent-insoluble membrane microdomains (MD) serve as a structural platform for signaling events involving p145met, EGFR, and Src. As an MD-associated molecule that may contribute to bladder carcinoma-specific cellular function, we identified uroplakin IIIa (UPIIIa), an urothelium-specific protein. Results obtained so far revealed: 1) UPIIIa undergoes partial proteolysis in serum-starved cells; 2) a specific antibody to the extracellular domain of UPIIIa inhibits the proteolysis of UPIIIa and the activation of Src, and promotes apoptosis in serum-starved cells; and 3) knockdown of UPIIIa by short interfering RNA also promotes apoptosis in serum-starved cells. GM6001, a potent inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), inhibits the proteolysis of UPIIIa and promotes apoptosis in serum-starved cells. Furthermore, serum starvation promotes expression and secretion of the heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor in a manner that depends on the functions of MMP, Src, and UPIIIa. These results highlight a hitherto unknown signaling network involving a subset of MD-associated molecules in the anti-apoptotic mechanisms of human bladder carcinoma cells.
Preparation for elective colorectal surgery using a video: a questionnaire-based observational study
Authors: Ihedioha U , Sangal S , Mastermann J , Singh B , Chaudhri S
Published: August 2012

Objective

Every patient has a perception about surgery and psychological preparation of the patient has an important impact on their postoperative recovery and outcome. In this study we looked at impact of a visual educational aid, in the form of a patient DVD on outcome following colorectal surgery within an enhanced recovery programme (ERP).

Design

We carried out a prospective analysis of a consecutive series of patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. All patients were given information about their operation in a clinic setting. Our intervention included a 15 minute patient educational video describing the preoperative assessment, post-operative recovery and advice on discharge. A questionnaire on patients’ views of ERP and video education was given on discharge.

Setting

University teaching hospital

Participants

Patients undergoing elective colorectal resection

Main Outcome Measures

Outcomes studied included length of hospital stay, patient perception of ERP, postoperative complications and readmissions:

Results

Thirty-two patients underwent elective colorectal surgery over a 3 month period. Median length of stay in hospital was 5 days. The questionnaire response rate was 100%. All patients thought they were well informed of the enhanced recovery programme. Eighty-eight percent responded that the video information provided about their operation was adequate, with 28% finding the video very helpful and more useful than other forms of patient information. There were no major postoperative complications and no readmissions.

Conclusion

Audiovisual presentation in the form of a patient video is a useful tool in the psychological preparation of patients undergoing colorectal surgery.
Mechanism of the AAA+ ATPases pontin and reptin in the biogenesis of H/ACA RNPs
Authors: Machado-Pinilla Rosario , Liger Dominique , Leulliot Nicolas , Meier U. Thomas
Published: August 2012

The AAA+ ATPases pontin and reptin function in a staggering array of cellular processes including chromatin remodeling, transcriptional regulation, DNA damage repair, and assembly of macromolecular complexes, such as RNA polymerase II and small nucleolar (sno) RNPs. However, the molecular mechanism for all of these AAA+ ATPase associated activities is unknown. Here we document that, during the biogenesis of H/ACA RNPs (including telomerase), the assembly factor SHQ1 holds the pseudouridine synthase NAP57/dyskerin in a viselike grip, and that pontin and reptin (as components of the R2TP complex) are required to pry NAP57 from SHQ1. Significantly, the NAP57 domain captured by SHQ1 harbors most mutations underlying X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC) implicating the interface between the two proteins as a target of this bone marrow failure syndrome. Homing in on the essential first steps of H/ACA RNP biogenesis, our findings provide the first insight into the mechanism of action of pontin and reptin in the assembly of macromolecular complexes.
Optimization of Water Resources Planning for Jordan's Aqaba Special Economic Zone
Authors: Elimam Abdelghani A. , Girgis Maurice A.
Published: August 2012

In this paper, we discuss the development of a water resources planning decision support system (DSS) for Jordan's Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). Our objectives are to conserve fresh water supplies and minimize overall water production and delivery costs. Aqaba currently relies entirely on fresh water pumped out of the Disi aquifer, 63 kilometers away. We used water consumption patterns, demographic projections, planned investments, and water demands to forecast water demand. We also identified existing and potential water sources, including the potable Disi water, desalinated Red Sea water, and treated wastewater. The DSS includes a mixed-integer programming model that considers demand and system component capacity limitations on production, storage, treatment, and transportation. The DSS optimal plan involves increasing wastewater treatment capacity, expanding 8.5 kilometers of the Disi aquifer-ASEZ pipeline, and constructing a 7.5-million cubic meter (MCM) reverse osmosis desalination plant. The ASEZ adopted our recommendations, built the pipeline expansion, and issued a request for proposal to construct the desalination plant and build a 4.4-MCM waste-water treatment plant. In addition to improving the reliability of fresh water supplies, the cost savings exceed US $7.74 million in capital investments and US $0.661 million in annual operating costs, bringing the net present value of savings over 15 years to about US $12.77 million.
Lessons Learned from 15 Years of Operations Research for French TV Channel TF1
Authors: Benoist Thierry , Gardi Frédéric , Jeanjean Antoine
Published: August 2012

Bouygues' corporate operations research team (the Bouygues e-lab) has been working with various subsidiaries of the company's industrial group, including the leading French TV channel TF1, for the past 15 years. This article presents our achievements in working with this advertising broadcaster and identifies the practical keys to success in this partnership. In particular, it points out and explains best practices for managing operations research projects. The selected projects, which cover the Internet and television businesses, gave TF1 a competitive advantage by allowing it to provide quicker and better answers to advertisers' requests and to better use its limited and perishable airtime inventory. TF1 estimates the resulting revenue increase at €20 million per year.
Routing and Scheduling of Cross-Town Drayage Operations at J.B. Hunt Transport
Authors: Pazour Jennifer A. , Neubert Lucas C.
Published: August 2012

Cross-town moves, a special type of drayage, occur when intermodal containers require a transfer from one rail ramp to another for continuance of a shipment. The cross-town problem consists of determining driver load assignments and routing and scheduling these drivers such that the maximum number of loads are covered with minimum empty moves. We illustrate how the cross-town problem has special characteristics that require a novel methodology, and we subsequently develop a heuristic solution approach. Our heuristics consider operational constraints, including a high number of loads per driver schedule, driver start times, driver start and end locations, hourly traffic patterns, load time windows, and required driver service hours. The implementation of the cross-town application has positively impacted J.B. Hunt’s intermodal drayage operation by automating and enhancing planning work flow for dispatchers, reducing the number of costly outsourced loads, and significantly improving operational efficiency. In addition, J.B. Hunt has documented the annualized cost savings of the cross-town heuristic implementation at $581,000.
Breaking the Ice in B2C Relationships: Understanding Pre-Adoption E-Commerce Attraction
Authors: Campbell Damon E. , Wells John D. , Valacich Joseph S.
Published: August 2012

This research proposes that the forming of a business-to-consumer (B2C) customer relationship is part of a multiphased technology adoption process where attraction is the first step in this sequence. A conceptual model, called the electronic commerce (e-commerce) attraction model (eCAM), offers a theoretical foundation for guiding two empirical studies (N = 345 and N = 240, respectively) investigating how initial customer perceptions of a website influence attraction toward this website. The results support the eCAM as a new theoretical lens for understanding electronic commerce-based attraction. Comparisons are made between the proposed eCAM and previously established adoption models (i.e., the Technology Acceptance Model and WebQual) as well as the discriminant validity of the constructs in these models. Results demonstrate that the eCAM provides additional insights for understanding how website design influences e-commerce attraction and adoption. The implications of these results for future research and website design are discussed.
Pricing of Wireless Services: Service Pricing vs. Traffic Pricing
Authors: Lahiri Atanu , Dewan Rajiv M. , Freimer Marshall
Published: August 2012

As the ability to measure technology resource usage gets easier with increased connectivity, the question whether a technology resource should be priced by the amount of the resource used or by the particular use of the resource has become increasingly important. We examine this issue in the context of pricing of wireless services: should the price be based on the service, e.g., voice, multimedia messages, short messages, or should it be based on the traffic generated? Many consumer advocates oppose discriminatory pricing across services believing that it enriches carriers at the expense of consumers. The opposition to discrimination has grown significantly, and it has even prompted the U.S. Congress to question executives of some of the biggest carriers. With this ongoing debate on discrimination in mind, we compare two pricing regimes here. One regime, namely, service pricing, involves pricing different services differently. The other one, namely, traffic pricing, involves pricing the traffic (i.e., bytes) transmitted. We show why the common wisdom, that discriminatory pricing across services increases profits and harms consumers, may not always hold. We also show that such discrimination can increase social welfare.
The anterior cerebral artery: II. A computer model of its cortical branches estereotaxically obtained from anatomical specimens
Authors: Marino Jr Raul , Oliveira Neto Leopoldo A.
Published: August 2012

This article is a corrollary of a previously published anatomical study of the anterior cerebral artery. The authors propose a method to obtain a computer model of the anterior cerebral artery, based on a combined system of stereotaxic coordinates and a specially developed computer program. The graphic analysis, thus obtained, is projected on a model atlas brain and an ideal diagram of this anatomical structure is obtained. Forty anatomical specimens were used for this study.
Polineuropatia urêmica: estudo clínico-eletroneurográfico de 33 casos
Authors: Werneck Lineu Cesar , Mulinari Adyr Soares , Laffite Augusto , Kesikowski Luiz Bore
Published: August 2012

Neste estudo foram avaliados 33 pacientes com polineuropatia e insuficiência renal crônica. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 18 e 58 anos, sendo 26 do sexo masculino e 9 do feminino. Todos os pacientes apresentavam níveis de uréia acima de 100 mg/dl e creatinina acima de 5,0 mg/dl. 10 pacientes foram mantidos com hemodiálise crônica, 13 com diálise peritoneal semanal e 10 com tratamento clinico conservador (controles). Foram realizadas medidas da condução nervosa motora nos nervos mediano, ulnar e peroneiro em todos os pacientes, concomitante com a avaliação clínica. Os pacientes foram divididos em grupos, conforme a intensidade da neuropatia presente. Os sintomas mais freqüentes foram diminuição do senso de vibração, câimbras e hipoestesia distai para tacto. O nervo mais afetado foi o peroneiro (97,82%), seguido do mediano e ulnar. O procedimento dialítico alterou pouco a condução nervosa, quando as aferições eram realizadas antes e depois da mesma diálise. Não houve nenhuma diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos de hemodiálise e diálise peritoneal na avaliação clinica ou eletroneurográfica. Em 7 pacientes seguidos por vários anos, a condução nervosa manteve-se estável em dois, aumentou em dois e baixou em três, acompanhando a evolução dos sintomas. Nos três que pioraram, houve desenvolvimento paralelo de hiper-paratireoidismo secundário. Os autores concluem que o nervo peroneiro é o que melhores condições fornece para o seguimento e avaliação clinica dos pacientes com uremia, apresentando tendência para diminuir a condução nervosa, quando existe piora da sintomatologia, sem relação com o tipo de diálise empregado.
Multiple use of benzoin as an aid in neurosurgical practice the watertight benzoin dressing
Authors: Marino Jr Raul
Published: August 2012

The author presents a survey of his experience with the use of benzoin as an aid to prevent and to treat wound complications as: CSF leakage ruptured meningoceles, prevention of leakage and wound infections, during the use of external cranial drainage, indwelling catheters or implanted cannulas and electrodes. A few other handy uses are also mentioned.
Picnodisostose: registro de dois casos na mesma família
Authors: Reimão Rubens N. A. de A. , Diament Aron J.
Published: August 2012

São relatados dois casos típicos de picnodisostose ocorrendo na mesma família. São discutidos os achados clínicos, radiológicos e laboratoriais.
Oftalmoplegia extrínseca progressiva: registro de um caso
Authors: Nobrega J. A. Maciel , Erwenne C. M. , Vilanova L. C. P. , Lima J. O. Camargo
Published: August 2012

Os autores relatam um caso de um paciente do sexo masculino com 12 anos de idade e que desde os 10 anos apresenta oftalmoplegia progressiva completa associada a ptose palpebral. O exame eletromiográfico mostrou alterações de padrão miopático em músculos extrínsecos oculares e de membros. O líquido céfaloraqueano evidenciou um aumento da taxa de proteínas e dege-neração pigmentar da retina foi assinalada o que nos leva a concluir haver um comprometimento mais extenso do que apenas miopático e nos permite enqua-dá-lo dentro dos casos que Drachman relaciona como "ophtalmoplegia plus".
Tratamento cirurgico da nevralgia do trigemio com preservação da sensibilidade
Authors: Niemeyer Filho Paulo
Published: August 2012

No período de março a maio de 1979. foram operados 6 pacientes com nevralgia do trigêmio, por via sub-occipital, sendo feita descompressão neuro-vascular. Em 5 casos encontrou-se alça arterial comprimindo a raiz do V nervo em sua origem aparente na protuberância, e em 1 caso encontrou-se grande veia calibrosa e tortuosa, comprimindo o nervo na porção próxima ao rochedo. Dos 6 casos, 5 tiveram alívio imediato da dor e 1 obteve melhora, com desaparecimento total da dor após 1 mês. Em todos os casos a sensibilidade da face foi preservada em suas várias formas.
Cordotomia percutanea
Authors: Ferreira Nelson Pires , Azambuja Ney A. V. De Castro
Published: August 2012

São estudados os resultados obtidos em 47 cordotomias percutâneas realizadas em 43 pacientes. A técnica utilizada, os reparos anatômicos, o controle radiológico e o neurofisiológico são descritos e comentados. Não foi observada diferença nos resultados tendo como referência a duração e o tipo de dor, bem como a existência prévia de deficiência sensitiva. As complicações decorrentes da lesão medular são descritas e comparadas com as relatadas na literatura, observando-se resultados semelhantes. O estudo da casuística permite concluir que o método é útil, pouco traumático, podendo ser indicado em pacientes em mau estado geral. A realização da lesão, com o paciente acordado, oferece a vantagem de um controle mais preciso dos resultados imediatos.
Ordem de nascimento e relacionamento fraterno de pacientes esquizofrenicos
Authors: Bucher Richard E. , Terzis Antonio
Published: August 2012

Foram examinados 150 pacientes (69 homens e 81 mulheres), internados em seis clínicas psiquiátricas de Brasília e arredores e diagnosticados como esquizofrênicos. Foi utilizado um questionário de dados pessoais (com 45 questões sobre identidade, variáveis sócio-culturais e estrutura familiar), preenchido após entrevista com os pacientes e estudos dos prontuários. Como grupo de controle, foram escolhidos pacientes psiquiátricos não esquizofrênicos, a saber 70 homens alcóolatras e 29 mulheres neuróticas, todos internados. Quanto à posição de nascimento, nenhuma diferença significativa foi encontrada sobre uma incidência maior de primogênitos. Diferenças altamente significativas se manifestaram, porém, no que tange ao sexo do irmão que precede, em grande maioria do sexo oposto. Este fato é interpretado no sentido de dificuldades de identificação e de identidade sexual, devidas a um relacionamento conflitivo com a figura do irmão que precede.
Avaliação critica da psiquitria comunitaria
Authors: Martins Clovis , Sandler Paulo Cesar
Published: August 2012

O presente estudo desenvolve alguns juízos de valor em relação ao movimento da psiquiatria comunitária, em uma tentativa de contribuir para o aperfeiçoamento de sua prática. Através de conceituações teóricas da psiquiatria social e da psiquiatria comunitária, os autores sintetizam os pontos básicos que formam o corpo de doutrina e sobre os quais se fazem as avaliações críticas, em três níveis de observação: o nível sociológico, no qual são examinadas as conotações revolucionárias da psiquiatria comunitária e sua inserção como instrumento de controle social em dada organização e estrutura social: o nível intermediário, a análise das interações, aonde são examinadas as reais contribuições, em termos de avanços nos cuidados aos doentes, de todo o movimento, e também aspectos ligados às comunidades terapêuticas; e, finalmente, o nível intrapsíquico, no qual são examinadas as possíveis motivações profundas dos profissionais que aderem ao movimento. São feitas ainda considerações sobre problemas ligados à formação de pessoal "leigo" que precisa assumir atribuições tradicionalmente denominadas médicas.
Base para uma psiquiatria cientifica: os conceitos de Harry Stack Sullivan
Authors: Chapman A. H. , Silva Djalma Vieira E
Published: August 2012

Uma das maiores contribuições do psiquiatra norte-americano Harry Stack Sullivan (1892-1949) foi a de eliminar o conceito de mente do seu pensamento psiquiátrico. Ele baseou todos os seus conceitos sobre o desenvolvimento da personalidade, e a natureza das doenças psiquiátricas que são causadas por fatores emocionais, sobre relações interpessoais. Relações interpessoais, em contraste com o funcionamento da mente, podem ser diretamente observadas, e quaisquer princípios baseados em relações interpessoais podem ser submetidos a pesquisas que podem ser provadas ou refutadas por investigadores psiquiátricos. Assim, as obras de Sullivan fornecem um caminho pelo qual a psicologia e psiquiatria podem tornar-se, com o tempo, em especialidades verdadeiramente científicas.
Modificação do metodo "kindling" para obtenção de status epilepticus experimental em ratos
Authors: Campos Carlos J. Reis de , Cavalheiro Esper A.
Published: August 2012

Foi utilizada em nova espécie animal (ratos), uma modificação do método "kindling", introduzida por Taber e col. (1977) para obtenção de status epilepticus experimental. Para isso foram implantados mediante cirurgia estereotáxica, eletrodos duplos, torcidos no hipocampo dorsal de 12 ratos machos albinos. Esses animais foram submetidos, após uma semana de pós-operatório, a 1 segundo de estimulação elétrica de baixa intensidade em forma intermitente, um estímulo por minuto durante 2 horas, desenvolvendo-se em prazo de 30 minutos um estado de epilepsia eletrográfica e comportamental duradoura. Vários padrões de descargas epilépticas eletrográficas foram observados bem como manifestações convulsivas tônico-clônicas. Os animais que foram submetidos a novas sessões de estimulação após 7 e 14 dias mostraram aumento de atividade epiléptica demonstrando uma modificação plástica do hipocampo do rato submetido a estimulação elétrica a qual perdura no tempo. O método permite a obtenção de "kindling" em tempo bem mais curto (horas), comparativamente às técnicas anteriormente descritas (dias), tornando-se um promissor modelo de epilepsia para testes de drogas anticonvulsivantes e para o estudo dos mecanismos fisiopatológicos e bioquímicos envolvidos na descarga epiléptica.
Efeito do barbexaclone nas crises convulsivas de dificil controle
Authors: Lima Jose Mauro Braz de , Oliveira Clovis , Duro Luiz Antonio Alves , Poiares Natalia De Mesquita
Published: August 2012

Foi feito ensaio terapêutico visando ao controle de crises rebeldes com o barbexaclone, sendo obtidos resultados bastante positivos. Os autores chamam a atenção para a associação do barbexaclone com a acetazolamida em alguns casos, com bons resultados. Ressaltam a vantagem do medicamento quanto aos efeitos colaterais, observando que com o barbexaclone estes estão diminuídos ou mesmo abolidos, mantendo-se o paciente desperto e participante.
Avaliação clinica do valor terapeutico do barbexaclone incluindo determinação de niveis plasmaticos do barbiturico
Authors: Reis Telmo Tonetto , Maia Filho Manoel Soares , Cechini Pedro Celso
Published: August 2012

São apresentados os resultados de um ensaio clínico usando barbexaclone (ciclo-hexil-aminopropano) associado com fenil-etil-barbitúrico, como único anti-convulsivante. Foram selecionados 70 pacientes dos quais 36 eram do sexo feminino e 34 do sexo masculino, sendo 52 crianças e 18 adultos. Todos apresentavam crises de epilepsia tipo grande-mal e tiveram duas ou mais crises antes de serem incluídos na pesquisa. Cinqüenta e três pacientes foram observados durante 18 meses, dos quais 96% ficaram livres de crises neste período. Os níveis plasmáticos dos barbitúricos foram determinados em 20 pacientes. Nestes pacientes o controle completo das crises atingiu 89%. A mensuração dos níveis plasmáticos dos anticonvulsivantes tem demonstrado ser um guia terapêutico útil e seguro no tratamento de epilepsia.
Ficomicose (mucormicose) orbito-rino-cerebral: registro de um caso
Authors: Guerreiro C. A. M. , Nobrega J. P. S. , Carvalho Monica P.
Published: August 2012

Registro de caso de mucormicose órbito-rino-cerebral em paciente diabético e em cetoacidose, com quadro clínico característico e que apresentou boa evolução graças ao tratamento iniciado precocemente. É feito um resumo dos principais registros da literatura a respeito da patologia.
Paraplegia espastica familial: discussão genetico-cientifica a propósito de uma família de afetados
Authors: Gonçalves Aguinaldo
Published: August 2012

Foi estudada uma família com dois elementos afetados por paraplegia espástica familial, provenientes de casamento consanguíneo, neuropatia de interesse genético por apresentar o fenômeno de heterogenia genética. O mecanismo de transmissão hereditária é discutido concluindo-se por possível herança autossômica recessiva.
Meningite e fistula liquorica recidivantes em traumatismo cranio-encefalico frontobasal: registro de um caso
Authors: Silva José A. Gonçalves da , Silva Erasmo Barros da , Cantisani Filho Jim U.
Published: August 2012

É relatado um caso de traumatismo frontobasal com lesão isolada do seio esfenoidal esquerdo, cujas complicações foram meningite e fistula liquórica. Ocorreram 3 surtos de meningite, respectivamente 5, 8 e 11 anos após o traumatismo. A fistula liquórica foi observada pela primeira vez 8 anos após o traumatismo, permanecendo intermitente durante 6 anos. O tratamento consistiu na obliteração do pertuito fistuloso mediante craniotomia bifrontal.
Sindrome de Guillain-Barré como manifestação do lupus eritematoso sistêmico: registro de um caso
Authors: Moreira Filho Pedro F. , Nascimento Osvaldo José M. , Cinnicinatus Daniel , Freitas Marcos R. G. , Porto Francisco Jorge S. , Santos Paulo Cesar
Published: August 2012

É relatado caso de paciente jovem do sexo feminino que apresentou, de modo agudo, quadro de polirradiculoneurite com acometimento de vários nervos cranianos e dissociação albumino-citológica no líquido cefalorraqueano. Os exames complementares mostraram tratar-se de lupus eritematoso sistêmico. A biópsia de nervo periférico revelou diminuição de fibras mielínicas, fibrose do endo e perineuro e hipertrofia da camada média dos vasa-nervorum. Os autores chamam a atenção para a raridade do acometimento do sistema nervoso periférico na vigência da doença lúpica. Acreditam que a síndrome de Guillain-Barré provocada pelo lupus eritematoso sistêmico seria devido a um mecanismo imuno-alérgico.
Meningencefalite criptocococica funcionando como processo expansivo: registro de um caso
Authors: Silva José Alberto Gonçalves da , Chaves Ely , Silva Erasmo Barros da
Published: August 2012

É relatado um caso de meningencefalite criptococócica com sinais clínicos e radiológicos de processo expansivo localizado no hemisfério cerebral direito. O diagnóstico definitivo foi feito mediante estudo anátomo-patológico de biópsia obtida durante a realização de craniotomia exploradora e descompressiva fronto-têmporo-parietal direita.
Sindrome de compressão medular como manifestação inicial da doença de Hodgkin: registro de um caso
Authors: Freitas Marcos R. G. de , Nascimento Osvaldo J. M. , Cincinatus Daniel , Praxedes Herbert , Hahn Myrian D.
Published: August 2012

É relatado o caso de paciente com doença de Hodgkin cuja primeira manifestação clínica traduziu-se com síndrome de compressão medular. Os autores fazem comentários sobre os mecanismos invocados para justificar a compressão radiculo-medular nesta granulomatose.
Doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth associada a malformação de Klippel-Feil: registro de um caso e revisão da literatura
Authors: Viegas Carlos A. de Assis
Published: August 2012

Depois de caracterizar a doença de Charcot-Marie-Tooth e a malformação de Klippel-Feil, o autor relata um caso em que ambas estão associadas e procede a uma revisão da literatura pertinente, apresentando múltiplas possibilidades de associação de uma e outra com diversos entidades mórbidas.
Pneumatocele espontâneo extracraniano: registro de um caso
Authors: Oliveira Hélio Araújo , Corrêa Rosalie de Lourdes Branco
Published: August 2012

É registrado um caso de pneumatocele espontâneo extracraniano, diagnosticado e operado com bom resultado. Os autores tecem comentários sobre a fisiopatologia, enfatizando como causa principal as alterações de desenvolvimento da fissura petro-escamosa, que faz com que o ar indo desde a trompa de Eustáquio e atingindo o ouvido médio, chegue até às células da mastóide que sofrerão pressão constante havendo, portanto, aumento das mesmas, seguido de ruptura e propagação do ar para o aspaço sub-aponeurótico. Foi feita revisão da literatura.