bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of γ′ precipitate characteristics in damaged superalloy IN738LC during different stages of rejuvenation heat treatment cycles
Authors: Hosseini S S , Nategh S , Ekrami A-A
Published: November 2011

The present study investigates the evolution of γ′ precipitate microstructure in a creep damaged IN738LC superalloy during different stages of rejuvenation heat treatment cycles. Dissolution of coarsened γ′ precipitates in the creep damaged alloy occurred during different solution treatments. The precipitates that did not dissolve completely during solution treatment and those formed during subsequent cooling were considered to be as remnant and cooling precipitates respectively. It was found that higher solution treatment temperatures result in lower volume fraction of remnant precipitates and further formation of cooling precipitates. Slower cooling rates after solution treatment gave the chance for the existing γ′ particles to be coarser. Moreover, aging treatment increased the volume fraction of γ′ precipitates. Double solution treatment at 1190°C/4 h/furnace cooling+1120°C/4 h/air cooling followed by aging at 845°C/24 h/air cooling dissolved nearly all the coarsened precipitates and produced a new bimodal γ′ microstructure analogous with that of the original alloy.
Effect of residual chemical elements (Cr, Ni and Cu) on machinability of leaded low carbon free machining steels
Authors: Sousa M N , Evangelista Luiz N , de Oliveira D C , de Souza Barrozo M A , Machado Á R
Published: November 2011

Free machining steels are specially designed to offer good results in machining operations by reducing the coefficient of friction with the tool. In general, these steels must meet tight specifications for other characteristics, such as mechanical strength, fatigue strength and wear resistance, among others. Therefore, the main alloying elements of which they are composed are destined to improve their machinability. These materials are usually low carbon steels with strong additions of S, Mn, Pb, P, etc. Because they are usually manufactured with recyclable materials, their compositions always contain elements such as Cr, Ni, Cu and Mo, which are considered residual elements. The present paper reports on an investigation of the influence of slight variations in Cu, Ni and Cr content on the machinability of leaded low carbon free machining steels based on the methodology described by the Volvo STD 1018-712 standard. The method is based on tool life tests of high speed steel single cutting tools applied in special conditions to the face milling process. The statistical analysis of the data was performed by analysis of variance and hypothesis testing. The results of the experiments demonstrated that residual chemical elements influence the machinability of SAE 12L14 steel.
New creep law
Authors: Montes J M , Cuevas F G , Cintas J
Published: November 2011

In the present paper, a new creep law describing the high temperature strain rate of materials, which is applicable to both high and low values of stresses, is proposed. In a similar way to the known hyperbolic sine law, the proposed equation guarantees a potential behaviour for low stress values (in accordance to the power law of creep) and a pure exponential behaviour for high stress values, according to the power breakdown law of creep. The differences and possible advantages of the proposed equation are analysed in comparison with the hyperbolic sine law.
Improved halide salt process to produce Al–B master alloys
Authors: Birol Y
Published: November 2011

Adding KBF4 salt to molten Al produces a B lean Al–B melt and a B rich dross. A revised practice that relies on the co-addition of Na3AlF6 with KBF4 and mechanical stirring is proposed in the present work to produce Al–B alloys. The highly surface active Na3AlF6 helps to break up the boride agglomerates glued together by the spent salt. Mechanical stirring facilitates uniform distribution of the freed borides in molten aluminium. The microstructural features of the Al–3B alloy thus processed and the B recovery were improved in a marked fashion. The boride dispersion in the aluminium matrix was uniform with no evidence of salt residues inside the aluminium matrix. An improved salt addition practice to ensure full B recovery and an Al–B alloy of sufficient quality is thus claimed to comprise the following steps: melting commercial purity aluminium ingot, adding premixed KBF4 and Na3AlF6 salts to molten Al at 800°C gradually to avoid excessive cooling of the melt, holding the melt for 5 min at 800°C to allow the reaction to reach completion, decanting the spent salt and throughly stirring the melt before casting into desired shape.
Oxide bifilms in aluminium alloy castings – a review
Authors: Gopalan R , Prabhu Narayan K
Published: November 2011

Aluminium alloy castings are most widely used in automobile industry because of their light weight, better castability and improved properties. The liquid aluminium surface easily oxidises during melting, transferring and pouring operation which may entrain oxide films into the casting. Research work has shown that the entrainment of this surface film and formation of bifilms in castings appear to be the source of most of the casting defects leading to a significant reduction in the mechanical properties of aluminium alloy castings. In this paper, the phenomenon of formation of oxide bifilms in aluminium alloy castings, effect of these bifilms on casting properties and their assessment techniques are discussed. For enhancing the quality of casting, research should focus towards development of process techniques for healing of bifilms in liquid metal during solidification.
Reactions in Sn corner of Cu–Sn–Zn alloy system
Authors: Perovic D D , Snugovsky L , Snugovsky P , Rutter J W
Published: November 2011

In the expectation of a possible connection between Sn–Cu6Sn5 and Sn–Zn binary eutectics, several alloy compositions were selected along a possible joining path. Samples of each were solidified unidirectionally at a very slow rate, approximating freezing with complete mixing in the liquid (the ‘solidification path’ technique). This procedure allows the detection of reactions by the change in the phases frozen out with the change in composition of the liquid due to segregation. Three quasi-peritectic reactions (U1–U3) and a ternary eutectic reaction were found: U1, L+Cu6Sn5[Formula: see text] CuZn+Sn; U2, L+CuZn[Formula: see text] Cu5Zn8+Sn; U3, L+Cu5Zn8[Formula: see text] CuZn4+Sn; and E, L[Formula: see text] (Sn)+(Zn)+CuZn4.
Spheroidisation behaviour of 1·0 wt-% carbon steel processed by equal channel angular extrusion and annealing
Authors: Ko Y G , Lee B W , Lee J S , Choi D Y , Shin D H
Published: November 2011

The present work deals with the spheroidisation behaviour of pearlitic cementite in 1·0 wt-% carbon steel subjected to equal channel angular extrusion followed by annealing. The influences of intense strain and annealing temperature on the morphological change of cementite were investigated. Intense strain even by single equal channel angular extrusion was sufficiently beneficial to accelerate spheroidisation kinetics upon annealing, resulting in reducing annealing time required for achieving fully globular cementites with uniform distribution. An optimum condition to obtain the fully spheroidised microstructure of 1·0 wt-% carbon steel was suggested. In addition, the correlation between processing variables and spheroidisation of 1·0 wt-% carbon steel was explored based on microstructural evolution.
Role of glide systems in channel die compression of commercially pure titanium alloy
Authors: Chattopadhyay A , Bao L , Lecomte J-S , Zhang Y D , Schuman C , Philippe M.-J. , Esling C
Published: November 2011

Plastic deformation process of Ti alloys depends on the competition of active deformation modes: slip and twinning. The specific deformation mechanism depends on the availability of the specific deformation modes as well as on the critical resolved shear stress for slip and the twin activation stress. Effort has been made to provide information on the different slip systems other than prismatic slips, which get activated during the channel die compression process. It is found that, though at the initial stage of deformation, prismatic slip is prevalent, but other slip systems, especially pyramidal types, also appear at the later stage of deformation. Transmission electron microscopy results confirm the presence of pyramidal slips beside prismatic ones. It is also observed that twining does not take place in those grains having the most stable orientation as per the hexagonal close packed system. Information on the critical resolved shear stresses of different glide systems for T40 is also provided.
Experimental investigation of structural defects in deep-drawn austenitic Mn-based TWIP steel
Authors: van Tol R T , Zhao L , Schut H , Sietsma J
Published: November 2011

X-ray diffraction, positron annihilation Doppler broadening spectroscopy and magnetic measurements have been used to investigate the effect of deep drawing on the generation of structural defects in austenitic Mn-based twinning induced plasticity steels. The effects of plastic deformation and hydrogen on structural defects in austenitic Mn-based twinning induced plasticity steels have not extensively been investigated, leaving the understanding of the effect of the deformation mechanisms involving twinning or plasticity induced transformation on the structural defects incomplete. X-ray diffraction measurements show an initial increase in defect concentration with increasing equivalent strain. Positron annihilation Doppler broadening revealed the existence of two defect types with a different degree of open volume. The interpretation in terms of dislocations, stacking faults and/or twins corroborated with the line broadening results from X-ray diffraction measurements. Magnetisation measurements revealed the formation of α′ martensite, which was related to the fraction of positrons annihilating at smaller structural defects. The presented findings attribute the larger defect type to dislocations, whereas the smaller defect type is attributed to partial dislocations and is consequently related to twinning or plasticity induced transformation.
Extrusion of EN AW-2014 alloy in semisolid state
Authors: Birol Y , Guven E A , Capan L J
Published: November 2011

The potential of forming EN AW-2014 alloy in semisolid state was investigated. The EN AW-2014 slugs were partially melted at 610°C, to a liquid fraction of ∼15, before they were extruded into a solid bar with a diameter of 16 mm. The ram speed used in this process was much lower than that employed in thixoforging of the same alloy to maximise heat removal from the slug and to fully solidify the liquid fraction by the time the extruded bar exits the die. The high solid fraction employed was also of help in this regard. Forming during extrusion under these conditions took place largely via rotation of the α-Al globules over one another, producing a remarkable microstructure of predominantly uniform globular α-Al grains. The forming load was at least an order of magnitude smaller with respect to that measured during hot extrusion of the same alloy, underlining the benefits of extruding the hard to form 2XXX alloys in semisolid state. Having been largely drained of its liquid, the final part of the preheated slug, however, failed to enjoy extrusion under such favourable conditions. The large extrusion deformation and temperatures well above the liquidus point have led to dynamic recrystallisation, which is responsible for the equiaxed, instead of fibrous, grain structure in this region.
Microstructure and solidification behaviour characterisation of phosphorus and boron doped IN718 superalloy
Authors: Miao Z J , Shan A D , Lu J , Song H W
Published: November 2011

The additions of 0·022–0·025 mass- phosphorus and 0·010–0·012 mass- boron could enhance the creep properties and increase the service temperature of IN718 superalloy markedly. However, the as cast microstructure and solidification behaviour of modified IN718 with P and B additions are not completely recognised. In the present paper, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) technique accompanied by scanning electron microscope and electron probe microanalysis characterisation is applied to understand the effects of P and B additions. It is found that P and B additions may promote the formation of big blocky Laves phase and result in the existence of B bearing phase enriched in Nb and Mo. In the meantime, another endothermic peak appearing before the Laves phase peak in the DSC heating curve is related to the melting of the B bearing phase. After the thermodynamics calculation, this new endothermic peak detected may be involved with the melting of M3B2. Furthermore, the endothermic peak appears before the Laves phase peak in the DSC heating curve, suggesting that the incipient melting temperature is greatly reduced as a result of P and B additions. In addition, both melting and solidification temperature ranges are significantly widened, indicating that the solidification process becomes more complex for the P and B doped IN718 superalloy.
Effect of multicomponent modifier on microstructure and mechanical properties of high Ni–Cr–Mo cast iron
Authors: Dun X L , Liu K P , Liu H S , Lai J P , Fu X H , Zhou J
Published: November 2011

The microstructure and mechanical properties of high Ni–Cr–Mo indefinite chilled cast iron with the addition of a newly developed multicomponent modifier consisting of mixed rare earths, Si–Ca alloy and Bi–Sb alloy have been investigated through optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, along with hardness, impact toughness and wear resistance measurements. After the addition of the modifier, the grain sizes of the primary austenite and eutectic carbides are found to be greatly refined, and the typically highly continuous net-like carbides become less interconnected but rather appear more blocky shaped. Such microstructure changes lead to mechanical property improvement in the cast specimen, with its hardness increased from 43 to 50 HRC, impact toughness from 6·3 to 7·8 J cm−2 and ⩾20 increase in abrasive wear resistance.
Immortalized mesenchymal stem cells: an alternative to primary mesenchymal stem cells in neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration associated studies
Authors: Gong Min , Bi Yang , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yun , Chen Li , Hou Nali , Liu Youxue , Wei Xiaoping , Chen Jie , Li Tingyu
Published: November 2011

Background

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be induced to differentiate into neuronal cells under appropriate cellular conditions and transplanted in brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases animal models for neuroregeneration studies. In contrast to the embryonic stem cells (ESCs), MSCs are easily subject to aging and senescence because of their finite ability of self-renewal. MSCs senescence seriously affected theirs application prospects as a promising tool for cell-based regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. In the present study, we established a reversible immortalized mesenchymal stem cells (IMSCs) line by using SSR#69 retrovirus expressing simian virus 40 large T (SV40T) antigen as an alternative to primary MSCs.

Methods

The retroviral vector SSR#69 expressing simian virus 40 large T (SV40T) antigen was used to construct IMSCs. IMSCs were identified by flow cytometry to detect cell surface makers. To investigate proliferation and differentiation potential of IMSCs, cell growth curve determination and mesodermal trilineage differentiation tests were performed. Neuronal differentiation characteristics of IMSCs were detectedin vitro. Before IMSCs transplantation, we excluded its tumorigenicity in nude mice firstly. The Morris water maze tests and shuttle box tests were performed five weeks after HIBD models received cells transplantation therapy.

Results

In this study, reversible IMSCs were constructed successfully and had the similar morphology and cell surface makers as primary MSCs. IMSCs possessed better ability of proliferation and anti-senescence compared with primary MSCs, while maintained multilineage differentiation capacity. Neural-like cells derived from IMSCs had similar expressions of neural-specific genes, protein expression patterns and resting membrane potential (RMP) compared with their counterparts derived from primary MSCs. There was no bump formation in nude mice subcutaneously injected with IMSCs. IMSCs played same role as primary MSCs to improve learning ability and spatial memory of HIBD rats.

Conclusions

IMSCs not only retain their features of primary MSCs but also possess the ability of high proliferation and anti-senescence. IMSCs can definitely be induced to differentiate into neuronal cellsin vitroand take the place of primary MSCs for cell transplantation therapy without tumorigenesisin vivo. The stable cell line is particularly useful and valuable as an alternative to MSCs in neuronal differentiation and neuroregeneration associated studies.
NONO and RALY proteins are required for YB-1 oxaliplatin induced resistance in colon adenocarcinoma cell lines
Authors: Tsofack Serges P , Garand Chantal , Sereduk Chris , Chow Donald , Aziz Meraj , Guay David , Yin Hongwei H , Lebel Michel
Published: November 2011

Background

YB-1 is a multifunctional protein that affects transcription, splicing, and translation. Overexpression of YB-1 in breast cancers causes cisplatin resistance. Recent data have shown that YB-1 is also overexpress in colorectal cancer. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that YB-1 also confers oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal adenocarcinomas.

Results

We show for the first time that transfection of YB-1 cDNA confers oxaliplatin resistance in two colorectal cancer cell lines (SW480 and HT29 cell lines). Furthermore, we identified by mass spectrometry analyses important YB-1 interactors required for such oxaliplatin resistance in these colorectal cancer cell lines. A tagged YB-1 construct was used to identify proteins interacting directly to YB-1 in such cells. We then focused on proteins that are potentially involved in colorectal cancer progression based on the Oncomine microarray database. Genes encoding for these YB-1 interactors were also examined in the public NCBI comparative genomic hybridization database to determine whether these genes are localized to regions of chromosomes rearranged in colorectal cancer tissues. From these analyses, we obtained a list of proteins interacting with YB-1 and potentially involved in oxaliplatin resistance. Oxaliplatin dose response curves of SW480 and HT29 colorectal cancer cell lines transfected with several siRNAs corresponding to each of these YB-1 interactors were obtained to identify proteins significantly affecting oxaliplatin sensitivity upon gene silencing. Only the depletion of either NONO or RALY sensitized both colorectal cancer cell lines to oxaliplatin. Furthermore, depletion of NONO or RALY sensitized otherwise oxaliplatin resistant overexpressing YB-1 SW480 or HT29 cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest knocking down NONO or RALY significant counteracts oxaliplatin resistance in colorectal cancers overexpressing the YB-1 protein.
Identification and thermochemical analysis of high-lignin feedstocks for biofuel and biochemical production
Authors: Mendu Venugopal , Harman-Ware Anne E , Crocker Mark , Jae Jungho , Stork Jozsef , Morton Samuel , Placido Andrew , Huber George , DeBolt Seth
Published: November 2011

Background

Lignin is a highly abundant biopolymer synthesized by plants as a complex component of plant secondary cell walls. Efforts to utilize lignin-based bioproducts are needed.

Results

Herein we identify and characterize the composition and pyrolytic deconstruction characteristics of high-lignin feedstocks. Feedstocks displaying the highest levels of lignin were identified as drupe endocarp biomass arising as agricultural waste from horticultural crops. By performing pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, we characterized lignin-derived deconstruction products from endocarp biomass and compared these with switchgrass. By comparing individual pyrolytic products, we document higher amounts of acetic acid, 1-hydroxy-2-propanone, acetone and furfural in switchgrass compared to endocarp tissue, which is consistent with high holocellulose relative to lignin. By contrast, greater yields of lignin-based pyrolytic products such as phenol, 2-methoxyphenol, 2-methylphenol, 2-methoxy-4-methylphenol and 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol arising from drupe endocarp tissue are documented.

Conclusions

Differences in product yield, thermal decomposition rates and molecular species distribution among the feedstocks illustrate the potential of high-lignin endocarp feedstocks to generate valuable chemicals by thermochemical deconstruction.
Distribution of Rickettsia rickettsii in ovary cells of Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille1806) (Acari: Ixodidae)
Authors: da Silva Costa Luís Flávio , Nunes Pablo Henrique , Soares João Fábio , Labruna Marcelo Bahia , Camargo-Mathias Maria Izabel
Published: November 2011

Background

Considering the fact that the dog tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus, has a great potential to become the vector of Brazilian Spotted Fever (BSF) for humans, the present study aimed to describe the distribution of the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, the etiological agent of BSF, in different regions of the ovaries of R. sanguineus using histological techniques. The ovaries were obtained from positive females confirmed by the hemolymph test and fed in the nymph stage on guinea pigs inoculated with R. rickettsii.

Results

The results showed a general distribution of R. rickettsii in the ovary cells, being found in oocytes in all stages of development (I, II, III, IV and V) most commonly in the periphery of the oocyte and also in the cytoplasm of pedicel cells.

Conclusions

The histological analysis of the ovaries of R. sanguineus infected females confirmed the presence of the bacterium, indicating that the infection can interfere negatively in the process of reproduction of the ticks, once alterations were detected both in the shape and cell structure of the oocytes which contained bacteria.
A five-year prospective study of fatigue in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Haldorsen Karstein , Bjelland Ingvar , Bolstad Anne Isine , Jonsson Roland , Brun Johan Gorgas
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Fatigue is prevalent in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), and contributes to the considerably reduced health related quality of life in this disease. The symptom is included in proposed disease activity and outcome measures for pSS. Several studies indicate that there is an inflammatory component of fatigue in pSS and other chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate fatigue change in pSS in a longitudinal study, and explore whether any clinical or laboratory variables at baseline, including serum cytokines, were associated with a change in fatigue scores over time.

Methods

A clinical and laboratory investigation of 141 patients fulfilling the American-European consensus criteria of pSS was undertaken in the period May 2004 to April 2005. Median time since diagnosis was 5.5 years. Examinations included the fatigue questionnaires: fatigue severity scale (FSS), fatigue visual analogue scale (VAS), functional assessment of chronic illness therapy - fatigue (FACIT-F) and medical outcome study short form-36 (SF-36) vitality, which were repeated in a follow-up investigation in January and February 2010.

Results

A total of 122 patients (87%) responded at both time-points. Thirty-five percent of patients experienced a clinically significant FSS increase. On the group level, fatigue measures did not change except that there was a slight deterioration in SF-36 vitality score. High serum anti-Sjögren's syndrome A antigen (anti-SSA) showed weak associations with high baseline fatigue, and patients with increasing fatigue had lower baseline unstimulated whole salivary volume. Weak associations between increasing fatigue and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG), and the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17), were observed. Baseline sicca symptoms correlated with higher fatigue both at baseline and with increasing fatigue over time. Linear regression analysis did not identify any predictive ability of clinical or laboratory measures on fatigue change over time.

Conclusions

Fatigue remained mainly unchanged over time. Using multivariate models did not reveal any clinical or laboratory predictors of fatigue change over time.
Minocycline and doxycycline therapy in community patients with rheumatoid arthritis: prescribing patterns, patient-level determinants of use, and patient-reported side effects
Authors: Smith Christopher J , Sayles Harlan , Mikuls Ted R , Michaud Kaleb
Published: November 2011

Introduction

Minocycline and doxycycline are safe and moderately effective disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in the treatment of early, DMARD-naïve rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although little is known about their use outside clinical trials. We characterize the use of minocycline and doxycycline in community-dwelling RA patients by examining associated prescribing patterns, patient-level determinants of use, and side-effect profiles.

Methods

We studied 15,716 patients with RA observed between 1998 and 2009 while participating in a long-term US observational study.

Results

Minocycline or doxycycline was prescribed by 18% of rheumatologists (interquartile range one to two patients per physician) to 9% of RA patients. Significant differences between minocycline-treated and doxycycline-treated patients and nontreated patients included age (58.4 years vs. 59.8 years), RA duration (14.8 years vs. 13.7 years), Caucasian race (93.7% vs. 89.7%), lifetime DMARDs and biologics (3.3 vs. 2.5), prednisone use (40.1% vs. 35.3%), and Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Survey physical component summary score (35.0 vs. 36.4). In multivariable Cox regression, patients initiating minocycline or doxycycline had increased disease activity, more comorbidities, and a greater number of prior nonbiologic DMARDs. Side effects were reported by 17.8% of minocycline users and 11.8% of doxycycline users. Skin complaints accounted for 54% of minocycline patient-reported side effects. The most commonly effected organ systems for doxycycline were gastrointestinal (35.4%) and skin (33.7%). Approximately 75% of side effects were of mild or moderate severity.

Conclusions

Rheumatologists have not embraced minocycline or doxycycline as primary treatment options for RA and reserve their use primarily in patients with long-standing, refractory disease. These drugs are generally well tolerated, with skin complaints, nausea, and dizziness being the most common patient-reported side effects.
Effectiveness of cognitive behaviour therapy for the treatment of catastrophisation in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Alda Marta , Luciano Juan V , Andrés Eva , Serrano-Blanco Antoni , Rodero Baltasar , del Hoyo Yolanda López , Roca Miquel , Moreno Sergio , Magallón Rosa , García-Campayo Javier
Published: November 2011

Introduction

No randomised, controlled trials have been conducted to date on the efficacy of psychological and pharmacological treatments of pain catastrophising (PC) in patients with fibromyalgia. Our aim in this study was to assess the effectiveness of cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT) and the recommended pharmacological treatment (RPT) compared with treatment as usual (TAU) at the primary care level for the treatment of PC in fibromyalgia patients.

Methods

We conducted a six-month, multicenter, randomized, blinded, parallel group, controlled trial in which patients were randomly assigned to one of three study arms: CBT (n = 57), RPT (n = 56) and TAU at the primary care level (n = 56). The major outcome of this study was PC in patients with fibromyalgia. The secondary variables were pain acceptance, depression, anxiety, pain, global function and quality of life.

Results

CBT significantly decreased global PC at the six-month follow-up examination with effect sizes of Cohen's d = 0.73 and 1.01 compared with RPT and TAU, respectively. CBT was also more effective than RPT and TAU at increasing pain acceptance at the six-month follow-up examination (effect sizes of Cohen's d = 0.77 and 0.80, respectively). Compared with RPT and TAU, CBT was more effective at improving global function based on the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (six-month effect sizes Cohen's d = 0.44 and 0.53, respectively) and quality of life based on the European Quality of Life Scale (six-month effect sizes Cohen's d = 0.11 and 0.40, respectively). There were no differences among the three treatments with regard to pain and depression.

Conclusions

CBT shows higher efficacy than RPT and TAU not only in key outcomes in FM, such as function and quality of life, but also in relevant mediators of treatment effects, such as pain catastrophising and pain acceptance.

Trial registration

ISRCTN: ISRCTN10804772
Hundreds of putatively functional small open reading frames in Drosophila
Authors: Ladoukakis Emmanuel , Pereira Vini , Magny Emile G , Eyre-Walker Adam , Couso Juan Pablo
Published: November 2011

Background

The relationship between DNA sequence and encoded information is still an unsolved puzzle. The number of protein-coding genes in higher eukaryotes identified by genome projects is lower than was expected, while a considerable amount of putatively non-coding transcription has been detected. Functional small open reading frames (smORFs) are known to exist in several organisms. However, coding sequence detection methods are biased against detecting such very short open reading frames. Thus, a substantial number of non-canonical coding regions encoding short peptides might await characterization.

Results

Using bio-informatics methods, we have searched for smORFs of less than 100 amino acids in the putatively non-coding euchromatic DNA of Drosophila melanogaster, and initially identified nearly 600,000 of them. We have studied the pattern of conservation of these smORFs as coding entities between D. melanogaster and Drosophila pseudoobscura, their presence in syntenic and in transcribed regions of the genome, and their ratio of conservative versus non-conservative nucleotide changes. For negative controls, we compared the results with those obtained using random short sequences, while a positive control was provided by smORFs validated by proteomics data.

Conclusions

The combination of these analyses led us to postulate the existence of at least 401 functional smORFs in Drosophila, with the possibility that as many as 4,561 such functional smORFs may exist.
Regional specificity of thalamic volume deficits in male adolescents with early-onset psychosis
Authors: Janssen Joost , Alemán-Goméz Yasser , Reig Santiago , Schnack Hugo G. , Parellada Mara , Graell Montserrat , Moreno Carmen , Moreno Dolores , Mateos-Pérez J. M. , Udias J. M. , Arango Celso , Desco Manuel
Published: November 2011

Background

Thalamic volume deficits are associated with psychosis but it is unclear whether the volume reduction is uniformly distributed or whether it is more severe in particular thalamic regions.

Aims

To quantify whole and regional thalamic volume in males with early-onset psychosis and healthy male controls.

Method

Brain scans were obtained for 80 adolescents: 46 individuals with early-onset psychosis with a duration of positive symptoms less than 6 months and 34 healthy controls. All participants were younger than 19 years. Total thalamic volumes were assessed using FreeSurfer and FSL-FIRST, group comparisons of regional thalamic volumes were studied with a surface-based approach.

Results

Total thalamic volume was smaller in participants with early-onset psychosis relative to controls. Regional thalamic volume reduction was most significant in the right anterior mediodorsal area and pulvinar.

Conclusions

In males with minimally treated early-onset psychosis, thalamic volume deficits may be most pronounced in the anterior mediodorsal and posterior pulvinar regions, adding strength to findings from post-mortem studies in adults with psychosis.
miR-200c regulates FGFR-dependent epithelial proliferation via Vldlr during submandibular gland branching morphogenesis
Authors: Rebustini Ivan T. , Hayashi Toru , Reynolds Andrew D. , Dillard Melvin L. , Carpenter Ellen M. , Hoffman Matthew P.
Published: November 2011

The regulation of epithelial proliferation during organ morphogenesis is crucial for normal development, as dysregulation is associated with tumor formation. Non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-200c, are post-transcriptional regulators of genes involved in cancer. However, the role of miR-200c during normal development is unknown. We screened miRNAs expressed in the mouse developing submandibular gland (SMG) and found that miR-200c accumulates in the epithelial end buds. Using both loss- and gain-of-function, we demonstrated that miR-200c reduces epithelial proliferation during SMG morphogenesis. To identify the mechanism, we predicted miR-200c target genes and confirmed their expression during SMG development. We discovered that miR-200c targets the very low density lipoprotein receptor (Vldlr) and its ligand reelin, which unexpectedly regulate FGFR-dependent epithelial proliferation. Thus, we demonstrate that miR-200c influences FGFR-mediated epithelial proliferation during branching morphogenesis via a Vldlr-dependent mechanism. miR-200c and Vldlr may be novel targets for controlling epithelial morphogenesis during glandular repair or regeneration.
Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors as Adjunctive Therapy in the Management of Systolic Heart Failure
Authors: Cvelich Ramonna G , Roberts Sarah C , Brown Jamie N
Published: November 2011

Objective:

To review the efficacy and safety of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the treatment of patients with chronic systolic heart failure (HF).

Data Sources:

Literature was retrieved through MEDLINE (1966-September 2011) and EMBASE (1980-September 2011), using the medical subject heading terms heart failure and phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Focus was placed on multidose trials of patients with systolic HF, because of these trials’ greater strength of clinical evidence.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

All English-language, peer-reviewed publications were analyzed for relevance. Studies appropriate to the objective were evaluated, including 4 multidose trials investigating the effect of sildenafil on cardiovascular function.

Data Synthesis:

In patients with New York Heart Association class II or III HF, treatment with sildenafil was associated with improvements in cardiac index, right ventricular ejection fraction, and other markers of cardiovascular function, as well as reduced pulmonary arterial pressure. Study durations ranged from 4 weeks to 1 year, and the studies used varying doses of sildenafil, ranging from 75 to 225 mg/day, in divided doses. The most common adverse effects associated with sildenafil therapy were headache and flushing.

Conclusions:

Based on current studies, sildenafil appears to be well tolerated and can improve markers of cardiovascular and pulmonary function in patients with HF. PDE5 inhibitors may be a therapeutic option for patients who cannot tolerate standard therapy for HF or who remain symptomatic with standard therapy. Larger long-term trials are necessary to better understand the role of PDE5 inhibitors in HF.
Membranous Glomerulonephritis with the Use of Etanercept in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Kaushik Prashant , Rahmani Masroor , Ellison Wesley
Published: November 2011

Objective:

To report a case of membranous glomerulonephritis with the use of etanercept in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Case Summary:

A 60-year-old female with severe ankylosing spondylitis and no history of renal disease was started on etanercept 50 mg subcutaneously once a week after standard treatment modalities failed. She had not been on any nephrotoxic drugs, including nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, for over 1 year. After 2 months of etanercept therapy, the patient presented with anasarca, proteinuria, hypoalbuminemla, and normal serum creatinine. Renal biopsy showed features classic for membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN). Etanercept was discontinued, with resolution of anasarca and proteinuria over the following 3 months.

Discussion:

Very few cases of MGN in patients with ankylosing spondylitis have been reported in the literature; additionally, MGN following etanercept therapy has not been descrtoed in patients with ankylosing spondylitis so far. The exact pathogenesis of etanercept-Induced MGN in ankylosing spondylitis is not known. Tumor necrosis factor-a antagonists have been associated with the formation of autoantibodies and induction of lupus-like ailments in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, it is possible that a similar dysregulation of the immune system might have accounted for the development of MGN in this patient. The Naranjo probability scale showed that this patient's MGN was probably associated with etanercept therapy.

Conclusions:

In addition to the well-described serious adverse drug events, including serious infections, the use of etanercept in ankylosing spondylitis can be associated with the development of MGN. Health care providers, especially rheumatologists, should be aware of this potentially serious adverse drug reaction.
Physical properties of simul (red-silk cotton) wood (Bombax ceiba L.) chemically modified with styrene acrylonitrile co-polymer and nanoclay
Authors: Devi Rashmi Rekha , Mandal Manabendra , Maji Tarun Kumar
Published: November 2011

Wood plastic composites have been prepared based on simul wood (Bombax ceiba L.), which was vacuum impregnated with the styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) co-polymer nanoclay (nnc) intercalating system in the presence of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), a crosslinking agent. The impact of nanoclay was investigated on the mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical behavior, and the biodegradability of the resultant wood polymer nanocomposite (WPCnnc) was investigated. The tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, and flexural modulus of the composite were relatively higher in the presence of 2 phr nanoclay. The limiting oxygen index values showed self-extinguishing behavior of the WPCnnc. Furthermore, the storage moduli (E′) and damping index (tan δ) of these products were high. WPCSAN/GMA/nnc exhibit higher biodegradability compared to WPCSAN/GMA.
Avaliação da morbidade e da mortalidade após ressecções hepáticas
Authors: Resende Vivian , Rezende-Neto João Batista de , Fernandes Juliana Santana , Cunha-Melo José Renan da
Published: November 2011

OBJETIVO: Descrever a, morbidade e a mortalidade em pacientes submetidos à hepatectomia. MÉTODOS: Avaliou-se o tipo de hepatectomia, necessidade de transfusão sanguínea peroperatória, permanência hospitalar, complicações e a mortalidade pós-operatórias. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o teste exato de Ficher, considerando-se significativos valores de p < 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 22 (31,43%) hepatectomias maiores, 13 (18,57%) hepatectomias direitas com uma alargada aos segmentos IVa e IVb; nove (12,86%) hepatectomias esquerdas, dentre estas, seis incluíram o segmento I. Foram feitas 48 (68,57%) hepatectomias menores, sendo 36 (51,43%) ressecções segmentares e 12 (17,14%) ressecções não anatômicas. A principal indicação para ressecção de metástases foi o adenocarcinoma colorretal em 27 (38,57%) pacientes. O tumor primário de maior incidência foi o carcinoma hepatocelular em 14 (20%) pacientes, seguido pelo colangiocarcinoma em seis (8,57%) pacientes. Entre as 13 (18,57%) ressecções para doenças benignas predominou a litíase intra-hepática (n=6). Seis pacientes (8,57%) foram hemotransfundidos no peroperatório. A permanência hospitalar variou de 2 a 28 dias (média = quatro dias). Oito (11,43%) pacientes desenvolveram complicações pós-operatórias. A mortalidade geral foi 8,57%, concentrando-se nos pacientes com carcinoma hepatocelular (5,71%). CONCLUSÃO: As metástases de adenocarcinoma colorretal foram as principais indicações cirúrgicas e as hepatectomias menores foram os procedimentos mais realizados. Apesar da baixa incidência geral de complicações pós-operatórias, evidenciou-se alta morbimortalidade em pacientes cirróticos com carcinoma hepatocelular.
A ética médica sob o viés da bioética: o exercício moral da cirurgia
Authors: Antonio Eliana Maria Restum , Fontes Tereza Maria Pereira
Published: November 2011

O exercício profissional da medicina atual tem uma forte abordagem biológica, devido à crescente especialização da ciência médica. Com frequência, a ciência, por si só, não ajuda a enfrentar e resolver uma situação particular de um profissional médico, e este é o lugar onde as ciências humanas, sociais e, especialmente as outras disciplinas, como a Bioética, podem dar uma abordagem mais humana e socialista, ao estudar sistematicamente a conduta humana no campo das ciências da vida e da saúde, através da luz dos valores e princípios morais. Como parte deste estudo, o segmento que está limitado à análise dos conflitos éticos decorrentes da prática da medicina e da assistência ao paciente, é conhecido como Ética médica. A Ética médica, no âmbito da cirurgia, compreende a integração do paciente cirúrgico com a natureza do cirurgião, influenciada pela sua formação e pelo seu treinamento, pela sua sensibilidade em identificar o que é correto. O ético não deve estar apenas no procedimento, no ato cirúrgico propriamente dito ou no que acontece em uma sala de operação ou mesmo no exercício da cirurgia como especialidade. A ética deve estar na vida e conduta do cirurgião, de forma que todos os atos profissionais e de vida devam ser eticamente válidos.
Poluição atmosférica e internações hospitalares por doenças respiratórias em crianças e adolescentes em Cubatão, São Paulo, Brasil, entre 1997 e 2004
Authors: Jasinski Renata , Pereira Luiz Alberto Amador , Braga Alfésio Luís Ferreira
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos dos poluentes atmosféricos e suas estruturas de defasagem sobre a morbidade respiratória de crianças e adolescentes, na cidade de Cubatão, São Paulo, Brasil, entre 1997 e 2004. Um estudo ecológico de séries temporais foi realizado, analisando internações nos hospitais do Sistema Único de Saúde por doenças respiratórias de crianças e adolescentes residentes no município. Foram utilizados modelos lineares generalizados de regressão de Poisson, controlando-se para sazonalidade, temperatura, umidade e tendência de curta duração. PM10 e ozônio estiveram positiva e estatisticamente associados com as internações por doenças respiratórias. No grupo de crianças, aumentos de um interquartil nas médias móveis de sete dias do PM10 (56,5µg/m³) e de cinco dias do ozônio (46,7µg/m³) levaram a aumentos nas internações hospitalares de 9,6% (IC95%: 3,0%-16,1%) e 2,4% (IC95%: 0,1%-4,7%), respectivamente. Esforços para redução das concentrações dos poluentes do ar ainda precisam ser implementados para minimizar os seus efeitos adversos sobre crianças e adolescentes em Cubatão.
Structural changes in Psidium guajava 'Paluma' leaves exposed to tropospheric ozone
Authors: Tresmondi Fernanda , Alves Edenise Segala
Published: November 2011

Psidium guajava 'Paluma' has being tested as an ozone (O3) bioindicator and responds with pigmentation between the veins on the adaxial surface, due to the accumulation of phenolic compounds. These compounds act as non-enzymatic antioxidants that neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS), formed from O3. This study aimed to evaluate the leaf structure of plants with and without visible symptoms and to establish these symptoms at the cellular level. Beside this we also aimed to detect structural changes that can minimize the effects of the O3 on the plant. The accumulation of phenolic substances, stomatal density and structural changes in P. guajava 'Paluma' leaf tissues exposed during the four seasons of the year were evaluated. The study was conducted at the Parque Estadual das Fontes do Ipiranga ( PEFI), which is a park in the city of São Paulo that has high levels of O3. Leaves with symptoms showed, on the adaxial surface, anthocyanin accumulation in the vacuoles of epidermal cells and hypodermis. When the symptoms were more intense this accumulation was observed even in the first three layers of palisade parenchyma. Comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic leaves, there was higher accumulation of phenolic compounds in the symptomatic leaves. Some parenchyma cells adjacent to substomatal chambers showed intrusive growth towards the stomatal pore, promoting its occlusion, which could reduce the entry of O3 in the leaf. The accumulation of anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds, in addition to the occlusion of the chamber, protect the plant against O3 effects. These features and the compact arrangement of the mesophyll contribute to why Psidium guajava 'Paluma' does not present cell death, a symptom usually observed in species sensitive to O3.
Cost-benefit analysis of industrial and homemade dendrometer bands
Authors: Carvalho Fabrício Alvim , Felfili Jeanine Maria
Published: November 2011

Dendrometer bands are used to make repeated measurements of tree radial growth. Two types of dendrometers are used worldwide, the industrial and the homemade. Homemade dendrometers prevail in Brazilian forestry studies, but researchers have trouble constructing and installing them. An easier solution is to use industrial dendrometer bands, but they are not produced in Brazil and, therefore, are expensive and might not be appropriate for local environmental conditions. We analyzed trunk growth measurements each month (from February 2008 to January 2009) using both industrial (imported) and homemade (national components) dendrometer bands installed on 20 trees of Acacia tenuifolia in a seasonally dry forest on limestone outcrops in central Brazil. Cost-benefit comparative analysis of measurements and prices indicates that homemade dendrometer bands have all benefits, and none of the problems, of the imported industrial dendrometer bands, such as the following: (1) similar precision of measurements (correlation analysis: r > 0.930, P < 0.01; permutation t-test: P > 0.55), (2) much lower costs (10 to 15 times cheaper), (3) easily manipulated and installated in the field, and (4) absence of some damage to tree trunks that are caused by industrial dendrometers.
Análise fitossociológica de um remanescente de vegetação na microbacia do Córrego Criminoso (Bacia do Rio Taquari, Coxim, MS, Brasil): subsídios para a recomposição da vegetação
Authors: Güntzel Adriana Maria , Dias Nara Rocha , Coertjens Charles Michel , Silva Geovane Cândido da , Vieira Evandro Alves
Published: November 2011

O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar a análise florística e fitossociológica preliminar em um remanescente de vegetação na área de entorno do Córrego Criminoso, visando subsidiar futuros projetos de recomposição da vegetação. A área total do remanescente foi determinada com o auxílio de GPS e dos programas Pathfinder e Autocad. Amostragens de indivíduos com CAP maior ou igual a 20 cm foram realizadas em 20 parcelas de 300 m² distribuídas na área. Foram encontradas 26 famílias botânicas contendo 36 gêneros e 49 espécies. A família Leguminosae foi a mais rica em espécies, seguida da família Annonaceae. A espécie Xylopia aromatica foi a mais freqüente, apresentando valores de IVI e IVC de 99,77 e 85,73, respectivamente. Observou-se que mais de 50% das espécies presentes na área são pioneiras ou secundárias, sendo cinco consideradas típicas de matas ciliares: Tapirira guianenses, Cecropia pachystachya, Terminalia argentea, Ocotea pulchellae e Luehea grandiflora. O remanescente de vegetação do entorno do Córrego Criminoso encontra-se fortemente degradado, necessitando de ações de manejo específicos nos fragmentos vegetados e nas áreas destituídas de vegetação, cujas recomendações são propostas.