bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnóstico de má oclusão de Classe III por alunos de graduação
Authors: Miguel José Augusto Mendes , Canavarro Cristiane , Ferreira Juliana de Paiva Moura , Brunharo Ione Helena Portella , Almeida Marco Antonio de Oliveira
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: verificar a capacidade de alunos de graduação diagnosticarem a má oclusão do tipo Classe III de Angle, assim como avaliar a possível indicação para tratamento ortodôntico e o momento ideal de iniciá-lo, levando em consideração as idades dentária e esquelética do paciente. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por 138 alunos do último período de graduação de 10 faculdades de Odontologia do estado do Rio de Janeiro, avaliados por meio de questionários com perguntas fechadas. Foram-lhes apresentados fotografias e modelos de estudo de um paciente portador de má oclusão Classe III de Angle unilateral e, ainda, outras más posições dentárias. RESULTADOS: constatou-se facilidade por parte dos estudantes em identificar o desvio de linha média (n = 124 ou 90%) e a mordida cruzada anterior (n = 122 ou 89%). Em contrapartida, aproximadamente metade da amostra (n = 63 ou 46% dos alunos) foi capaz de reconhecer, no caso clínico, a existência da má oclusão Classe III de Angle unilateral. Apenas 46% deles (n = 63) identificaram a ausência precoce do dente decíduo. Quanto ao tratamento, quase a totalidade concordou com a sua necessidade, porém encontraram dificuldade em reconhecer o momento ideal da indicação ao especialista, com a finalidade de que este realize o tratamento ortodôntico. CONCLUSÃO: os estudantes terminam o curso de graduação com dificuldade no diagnóstico de Classe III e nem mesmo articulam idéias sobre um protocolo básico de tratamento para correção desta anormalidade.
Clinical and laboratorial correlation of postoperative hypocalcemia after extensive thyroidectomy
Authors: Gonçalves Antonio José , Martins Laércio , Souza Tania Regina Bastos de , Alves Paulo Jorge Correia , Schiola Alexandre , Rios Oswaldo Angel Bellido , Santos Adriana Ribeiro dos
Published: November 2008

The medical records of 84 patients submitted to extensive thyroidectomy from January 1991 to April 1995 were reviewed and the data was analyzed in order to verify a correlation between postoperative laboratories results and physical findings suggestive of hypocalcemia. It was verified that there was hypocalcemia in 51.2 percent of the patients, of which only 18.6 percent presented symptoms. It was concluded that asymptomatic hypocalcemia is frequent in extensive thyroidectomy and a routine screening for serum calcium in the postoperative period following thyroidectomy and calcium reposition must be systematic.
Effect of high-dose fentanyl on renal function in dogs
Authors: Castiglia Yara Marcondes Machado , Braz José Reinaldo Cerqueira , Vianna Pedro Thadeu Galvão , Lemonica Lino , Vane Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2008

Our objective was to determine the effects of high-dose fentanyl on canine renal function (RF). We anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital (SP) 16 dogs, randomly divided into 2 groups: in G1, SP was given alone, and in G2, combined with 0.05 mg.kg-1 fentanyl. All animals were ventilated artificially and had catheterized left and right femoral veins and left femoral artery for fluid infusion, drug administration, blood collection, and hemodynamic measurement. Urine was collected throughout the experiment. Attributes of RF were studied. SP did not alter RF, which was significantly altered by fentanyl. In G2, slower heart rates, mean arterial pressure, creatinine clearance, urinary output, osmolar clearance and fractional excretion of sodium and potassium were observed. G1 had a behavior attributed to extracellular volume expansion and no RF alterations. In G2, we observed significant decreases in RF due to opioid-induced hemodynamic changes, not discarding the possible action of aldosterone.
Estimativa do tamanho da trinca em corpo de prova com linha de solda: simulação x resultado experimental
Authors: Bom Ricardo P. , Kalnin Flávio A.
Published: November 2008

Este trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados obtidos por simulação numérica realizada com o aplicativo desenvolvido neste laboratório, o qual permite prever o tamanho da trinca em corpo de prova com linha de solda. Os resultados da simulação serão comparados com os resultados experimentais obtidos a partir de corpos de prova moldados pelo processo de injeção em diferentes temperaturas e caracterizados a partir de ensaio de tração. O aumento do tamanho da trinca em produtos moldados pelo processo de injeção pode provocar a diminuição da tensão de ruptura efetiva na região de sua existência devido à diminuição da área de contato ou de interpenetração. Este problema pode ser de grande importância em peças estruturais, pois pode reduzir a tensão efetiva de trabalho. A partir de equações que descrevem: o resfriamento de polímeros, a reologia de polímeros, a difusão e a interpenetração molecular e tomando-se como base o modelo de reptação descrito por De Gennes, determinou-se o perfil da difusão molecular na interface de junção dos fluxos e a interpenetração ao longo da espessura, bem como se determinou a interpenetração crítica utilizando-se o tamanho da trinca. Por fim, com a diminuição da temperatura de injeção, o corpo de prova solidifica mais rapidamente, diminuindo a difusão e a interpenetração molecular na interface da linha de junção. Com o aumento da interpenetração molecular, aumenta-se a tensão máxima de ruptura do polímero termoplástico Polystyrol 158 K da Basf. Determinou-se uma dependência entre a interpenetração máxima no centro do corpo de provas e a interpenetração crítica correspondente à trinca obtida por ensaios de tração em função da variação da temperatura. Assim, foi desenvolvido um aplicativo que descreve com muita coerência a dimensão da trinca.
Estudo imunohistoquímico do remodelamento pulmonar em camundongos expostos à fumaça de cigarro
Authors: Valença Samuel Santos , Porto Luís Cristóvão
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: Muitos estudos sobre enfisema são realizados com exposição de animais à fumaça de cigarro durante um longo tempo, focando o tipo de célula envolvida no desequilíbrio protease/antiprotease e a degradação da matriz extracelular. A expressão aumentada de metaloproteinases no enfisema está associado com citocinas e evidências sugerem um papel importante da metaloproteinase de matriz-12 (MMP-12). Nosso objetivo foi estudar a detecção de inibidor tissular de metaloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2), fator de necrose tumoral alfa (TNF-α) e interleucina-6 (IL-6) por métodos imunohistoquímicos no pulmão de camundongos. MÉTODOS: Camundongos C57BL/6 machos foram expostos 3 vezes ao dia a fumaça de 3 cigarros por um período de 10, 20, 30 ou 60 dias através de uma câmara de inalação (grupos CS10, CS20, CS30 e CS60, respectivamente). O grupo controle foi exposto às mesmas condições ao ar ambiente. RESULTADOS: Nós observamos um aumento progressivo de macrófagos alveolares no lavado broncoalveolar dos grupos expostos. O diâmetro alveolar médio, um indicador de destruição alveolar, aumentou em todos os grupos expostos quando comparado ao grupo controle. O índice imunohistoquímico (II) para MMP-12 aumentou nos grupos CS10, CS20 e CS30 em paralelo a uma redução do II para TIMP-2 nos grupos CS10, CS20 e CS30. O II para as citocinas TNF-α e IL-6 aumentou em todos os grupos expostos quando comparado ao grupo controle. Enfisema foi observado no grupo CS60, com alterações na densidade de volume de fibras colágenas e elásticas. CONCLUSÕES: Estes achados sugerem que a fumaça de cigarro induz enfisema com uma participação importante do TNF-α e da IL-6 sem a participação de neutrófilos.
Resistência de vias aéreas em crianças medida pela técnica do interruptor: valores de referência
Authors: Rech Viviane Viegas , Vidal Paula Cristina Vasconcellos , Melo Júnior Hilário Teixeira de , Stein Renato Tetelbom , Pitrez Paulo Márcio Condessa , Jones Marcus Herbert
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: A técnica do interruptor é usada para determinar interrupter resistance (Rint, medida de resistência das vias aéreas através da técnica do interruptor) durante respiração tranqüila. Este método não-invasivo requer mínima cooperação e, por isso, pode ser útil para avaliar obstrução de vias aéreas em crianças não-colaborativas. Não existem dados publicados de valores de referência para Rint na população brasileira até o momento. O objetivo deste estudo foi definir uma equação para prever a resistência das vias aéreas pela técnica do interruptor em crianças saudáveis de 3 a 13 anos de idade. MÉTODOS: Este estudo transversal prospectivo com crianças pré-escolares e escolares em Porto Alegre, Brasil, mensurou Rint durante pico de fluxo expiratório no volume corrente. RESULTADOS: Cento e noventa e três crianças completaram as medidas. Estatura, peso corporal e idade mostraram correlação significante e independente com Rint na análise univariada usando regressão linear. A regressão múltipla com estatura, peso corporal, idade e gênero como variáveis resultou em um modelo no qual somente estatura e peso corporal foram significativos e independentes para predizer Rint. Colinearidade foi identificada entre estatura, peso corporal e idade. CONCLUSÕES: Valores e equação de referência para Rint em crianças saudáveis foram obtidos e são relacionados a estatura.
Diagnóstico e prognóstico dos tumores pulmonares neuroendócrinos mediante microscopia eletrônica e análise multivariavel de agrupamento
Authors: Farhat Cecília Aparecida Vaiano , Parra Edwin Roger , Rogers Andrew V. , Elian Silvia Nagib , Sheppard Mary N. , Capelozzi Vera Luiza
Published: November 2008

OBJETIVO: Estabelecer, com ajuda do microscópio eletrônico, critérios que possibilitem uma diferenciação mais exata entre os quatro tipos maiores de tumores neuroendócrinos pulmonares: tumor carcinóide típico e atípico, carcinoma de grandes células neuroendócrino e carcinoma de pequenas células. MÉTODOS: Todos os tumores foram avaliados morfometricamente e 16 variáveis foram relacionadas com diferenciação das células tumorais; estas variáveis foram analisadas sob microscopia eletrônica com ajuda de um analisador de imagem digital em 27 tumores. A avaliação através da microscopia eletrônica revelou que todos os tumors investigados podiam ser classificados a um dos quarto tipos listados acima. A análise das variáveis morfométricas foi usada para agrupar os tumores em três grandes grupos, os quais foram relacionados à sobrevivência pelas curvas de Kaplan Meier. RESULTADOS: Os três grupos de carcinoma neuroendócrino associaram-se às curvas da sobrevivência, as quais mostraram características ultrastruturais na microscopia eletrônica de significância prognóstica distinta. Os tumores foram contidos em três grupos bem definidos, que representam o espectro da diferenciação neuroendócrina: tumor carcinóide (grupo 1); tumor carcinóide atípico e carcinoma de grandes células neuroendócrino (grupo 2); e carcinoma de pequenas células (grupo 3). O grupo 2 representa um espectro intermediário na carcinogênese neuroendócrina, entre o carcinóide típico e o carcinoma de pequenas células. CONCLUSÕES: Nossos achados confirmam que a microscopia eletrônica é uma ferramenta útil no diagnóstico e prognóstico dos casos de tumores pulmonares.
A novel role of Shc adaptor proteins in steroid hormone-regulated cancers
Authors: Alam Syed Mahfuzul , Rajendran Mythilypriya , Ouyang Shouqiang , Veeramani Suresh , Zhang Li , Lin Ming-Fong
Published: November 2008

Tyrosine phosphorylation plays a critical role in growth regulation, and its aberrant regulation can be involved in carcinogenesis. The association of Shc (Src homolog and collagen homolog) adaptor protein family members in tyrosine phosphorylation signaling pathway is well recognized. Shc adaptor proteins transmit activated tyrosine phosphorylation signaling that suggest their plausible role in growth regulation including carcinogenesis and metastasis. In parallel, by sharing a similar mechanism of carcinogenesis, the steroids are involved in the early stage of carcinogenesis as well as the regulation of cancer progression and metastatic processes. Recent evidence indicates a cross-talk between tyrosine phosphorylation signaling and steroid hormone action in epithelial cells, including prostate and breast cancer cells. Therefore, the members of Shc proteins may function as mediators between tyrosine phosphorylation and steroid signaling in steroid-regulated cell proliferation and carcinogenesis. In this communication, we discuss the novel roles of Shc proteins, specifically p52Shc and p66Shc, in steroid hormone-regulated cancers and a novel molecular mechanism by which redox signaling induced by p66Shc mediates steroid action via a non-genomic pathway. The p66Shc protein may serve as an effective biomarker for predicting cancer prognosis as well as a useful target for treatment.
The influence of grouting pressure on the pullout resistance of soil nails in compacted completely decomposed granite fill
Authors: Yin J.-H. , Su L.-J. , Cheung R. W. M. , Shiu Y.-K. , Tang C.
Published: November 2008

The interface shear strength between a soil nail and the surrounding soil is required in the design analysis and safety assessment of a soil nailed structure, such as a slope, retaining wall or excavation. It has been found that a number of factors may influence the interface shear strength, such as the normal stress, soil properties, soil nail surface roughness, degree of saturation and grouting pressure. Some initial results from field pullout tests on soil nails grouted under pressure have indicated that the grouting pressure contributes to the pullout resistance. Pressure grouting is a cost-effective method for increasing the soil nail pullout resistance, thus improving the performance of the nailed structure. Studies on the soil nail failure mechanisms and quantitative data from tests investigating how grouting pressure influences the pullout resistance are, however, very limited. First, this paper introduces a laboratory soil nail pullout box with full instrumentation and a special pressure grouting device and its set-up. Second, the paper describes the test procedures and a programme for studying the influence of pressure grouting. The paper presents representative test results. The influence of the grouting pressure together with overburden soil pressure on the pullout resistance is examined. From the test results, relationships between pullout resistance and grouting pressure are obtained and discussed.
Interactions between trace metals (Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in the antarctic fishTrematomus bernacchii: Oxidative effects on biotransformation pathway
Authors: Benedetti Maura , Fattorini Daniele , Martuccio Giacomo , Nigro Marco , Regoli Francesco
Published: November 2008

Biological effects of chemical mixtures are an emerging issue when using biomarkers in field conditions, because synergistic or inhibitory interactions, cascade, and indirect mechanisms can both enhance or suppress responses to specific classes of pollutants. The Antarctic rock cod (Trematomus bernacchii) was exposed to various trace metals (Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb) and to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), dosed alone or in combination, to generate hypotheses regarding the mechanisms of action at the cellular level. Concentrations of metals significantly increased in liver of T. bernacchii without significant differences between organisms exposed only to the elements or cotreated with TCDD. The marked induction of cytochrome P450 (CYP) by TCDD was greatly suppressed by cotreatment with Cu at both catalytic and protein expression levels, whereas no significant effects were caused by coexposures with Hg, Ni, and Pb. The oxidative status was measured by integrating individual antioxidants with the total oxyradical scavenging capacity toward peroxyl radicals (ROO·) and hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Synergistic oxidative effects appeared in fish coexposed to Cu and TCDD, suggesting that biotransformation efficiency is down-regulated by higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, and/or mechanisms limiting availability of heme groups. Major oxidative perturbations also were observed in organisms coexposed to TCDD and Hg; in these organisms, however, the marked increase of glutathione content could explain the absence of oxidative inhibition of the CYP system. More limited oxidative effects were caused by Ni and Pb, and the contemporary absence of inhibitory effects on CYP would further confirm the importance of pro-oxidant mechanisms in modulating the biotransformation pathway. The overall results indicate that a wide battery of biomarkers is necessary to assess the impact of chemical mixtures in field conditions.
Toxicological assessment of chemicals usingCaenorhabditis elegansand optical oxygen respirometry
Authors: Schouest Katherine , Zitova Alice , Spillane Charles , Papkovsky Dmitri B.
Published: November 2008

Oxygen consumption is indicative of an organism's metabolic state, whereby alterations in respiration rate can result from the presence of different stimuli. Here, we develop a novel approach based on quenched fluorescence oxygen sensing and respirometry method for toxicity screening assays using the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Previously, C. elegans was established as a useful model in soil and aquatic toxicology studies. For existing toxicology screening approaches with C. elegans, however, the endpoint is lethality. In addition, the assay time frame for the existing approaches is considerably longer than that for the approach described here. We present a sensitive, robust, high-throughput platform using standard laboratory equipment for toxicological studies by measuring respiration rate in C. elegans animals using a phosphorescent probe.
Nonnutrient anthropogenic chemicals in seagrass ecosystems: Fate and effects
Authors: Lewis Michael A. , Devereux Richard
Published: November 2008

Impacts of human-related chemicals, either alone or in combination with other stressors, are important to understand to prevent and reverse continuing worldwide seagrass declines. This review summarizes reported concentrations of anthropogenic chemicals in grass bed–associated surface waters, sediments, and plant tissues and phytotoxic concentrations. Fate information in seagrass-rooted sediments and overlying water is most available for trace metals. Toxicity results in aqueous exposures are available for at least 13 species and a variety of trace metals, pesticides, and petrochemicals. In contrast, results for chemical mixtures and chemicals in sediment matrices are uncommon. Contaminant bioaccumulation information is available for at least 23 species. The effects of plant age, tissue type, and time of collection have been commonly reported but not biological significance of the chemical residues. Experimental conditions have varied considerably in seagrass contaminant research and interspecific differences in chemical residues and chemical tolerances are common, which limits generalizations and extrapolations among species and chemicals. The few reported risk assessments have been usually local and limited to a few single chemicals and species representative of the south Australian and Mediterranean floras. Media-specific information describing exposure concentrations, toxic effect levels, and critical body burdens of common near-shore contaminants is needed for most species to support integrated risk assessments at multiple geographical scales and to evaluate the ability of numerical effects-based criteria to protect these marine angiosperms at risk.
Development and evaluation of reverse polyethylene samplers for marine phase ii whole-sediment toxicity identification evaluations
Authors: Perron Monique M. , Burgess Robert M. , Ho Kay T. , Pelletier Marguerite C. , Friedman Carey L. , Cantwell Mark G. , Shine James P.
Published: November 2008

Marine and estuarine sediments accumulate contaminants and act as a sink for a wide range of toxic chemicals. As a result, the sediments themselves can become a source of contamination. At sufficient levels, contaminated sediments can cause benthic impairments and toxicity to marine organisms. Among the wide range of contaminants, nonionic organic contaminants (NOCs) are a primary cause of toxicity in marine sediments. Toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs) are used to characterize and identify chemicals causing toxicity in effluents, interstitial waters, and whole sediments using whole-organism endpoints. Phase I whole-sediment TIE methods for NOCs exist, but the development of phase II TIE methods for NOCs is a current research challenge. In the present study, the use of reverse polyethylene samplers (RePES) for phase II methods is examined. Various RePES designs were evaluated in an experimental design study with NOC chemical solutions. Based on equilibration time and proximity of measured NOC water concentrations in the reconstituted system to theoretical concentrations, a nontriolein design with loading of chemical solutions on the inside of the polyethylene tubing was chosen as most effective. A partitioning study demonstrated NOCs partitioned between the RePES and water as well as between the water and air, as expected using this nontriolein RePES design. Finally, a sediment toxicity study comparing the nontriolein RePES to contaminant-spiked sediments was conducted. The nontriolein RePES design was capable of successfully recreating the toxicity and water concentrations observed with the intact sediments.
A Nonverbal Language for Imagining and Learning: Dance Education in K–12 Curriculum
Authors: Hanna Judith Lynne
Published: November 2008

Curriculum theorists have provided a knowledge base concerning aesthetics, agency, creativity, lived experience, transcendence, learning through the body, and the power of the arts to engender visions of alternative possibilities in culture, politics, and the environment. However, these theoretical threads do not reveal the potential of K–12 dance education. Research on nonverbal communication and cognition, coupled with illustrative programs, provides key insights into dance as a distinct performing art discipline and as a liberal applied art that fosters creative problem solving and the acquisition, reinforcement, and assessment of nondance knowledge. Synthesizing and interpreting theory and research from different disciplines that is relevant to dance education, this article addresses cognition, emotion, language, learning styles, assessment, and new research directions in the field of education.
Stability and stress analyses of headrace tunnel, Upper Seti Storage Hydroelectric Project, Western Nepal
Authors: Regmi Niraj Kumar , Adhikary Prakash Chandra , Tamrakar Jayandra Man , Dhakal Rabindra Prasad
Published: November 2008

The Upper Seti (Damauli) Storage Hydroelectric Project has a capacity of 128 MW, the storage type scheme, and includes 1000 m long horse shoe headrace tunnel, 140 m high concrete gravity dam, two diversion tunnels of lengths 712 m and 881 m and an underground powerhouse. The study was carried out to identify stability and stress conditions for the headrace tunnel to suggest the required tunnel support. The project area extensively covers dolomite and minorly covers slate. The rock mass classification showed fair to good quality of dolomite and poor to fair quality of slate. The surface wedges would form in intake portal and powerhouse site. In the headrace tunnel, structural wedges would be formed due to underground excavation and would be stabilized with the help of shotcrete and rock bolting.   doi: 10.3126/bdg.v10i0.1419 Bulletin of the Department of Geology, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal, Vol. 10, 2007, pp. 45-54
Entropy 2008, 10, 240-247: Ferri et al. Deformed Generalization of the Semiclassical Entropy
Authors: Harremoës Peter
Published: November 2008

It has come to our attention that names of authors have been misspelled in a paper recently published in Entropy [1]. The correct names are: Gustavo Ferri, Felipe Olivares, Flavia Pennini, Angelo Plastino, Angel R. Plastino and Montserrat Casas. We apologize for this mistake and any inconvenience caused. [...]
Radical Scavenging and Reducing Power of Salvia mirzayanii Subfractions
Authors: Moein Mahmood Reza , Moein Soheila , Ahmadizadeh Saeid
Published: November 2008

In this research, the radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the ethyl acetate fraction and subfractions of Salvia mirzayanii (SM) have been investigated. The plant material was initially extracted with ethanol. The fractionation was carried out using liquid-liquid extraction, then the ethyl acetate fraction, which showed the greatest antioxidant activity, was selected. This fraction was submitted to column chromatography on a Sephadex LH 20 column eluted with pure MeOH to obtain subfractions A-G. No significant differences exist between the IC50 of Salvia mirzayanii ethyl acetate subfraction C (IC50 = 37.9 ± 0.85), F (IC50 = 40.05 ± 1.4) and quercetin (38.84 ± 0.86), (P > 0.05), indicating that the radical scavenging capacity of these two subfractions and quercetin (antioxidant standard) were similar. The reducing power of the ethyl acetate fraction was less than that of all subfractions, except for subfraction A. The greatest amount of phenolic compounds was found in subfraction E (55.23 ± 4.2) and the lowest in subfraction F (5.23 ± 0.18). The greatest total flavonoid content was established in subfraction D (1.84 ± 0.01) and the lowest was in subfraction A (0.108 ± 0.007).
Association of CD4 Enhancer Gene Polymorphisms with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Taiwan
Authors: LO SUI-FOON , WAN LEI , LIN HSIU-CHEN , HUANG CHUNG-MING , TSAI FUU-JEN
Published: November 2008

Objective

It has been found that changes in CD4 expression and CD4+ T cell activity may influence tolerance or tissue destruction in autoimmune diseases and contribute to their risk. We examined whether an association of CD4 enhancer gene polymorphisms with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) exists.

Methods

For study of the CD4 –11743A/C polymorphism, 192 patients with RA, 141 patients with SLE, and 96 normal controls participated. For the CD4 –10845A/G polymorphism, 191 patients with RA, 127 patients with SLE, and 92 controls participated. The polymorphism of the CD4 enhancer was examined with the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Genotypic and allelic frequencies of the 3 groups of participants were compared. Genotype groups were also compared according to different clinical variables among the patients with RA and SLE.

Results

For the CD4 –11743A/C polymorphism, patients with RA demonstrated significantly higher frequency of the C allele (p = 0.048); patients with SLE had significantly higher frequency of the CC genotype (p = 0.026), and lower frequency of the AC genotype (p = 0.013) compared with controls. For the CD4 –10845A/G polymorphism, patients with RA had significantly higher frequencies of the AA genotype (p = 0.047) and the A allele (p = 0.026); patients with SLE had significantly higher frequency of the AA genotype (p = 0.011) and A allele (p = 0.001), and lower frequency of the GG genotype (p = 0.003) compared with controls. A comparison of genotype groups according to different clinical variables revealed the association of the respective polymorphisms with mucosal ulcer lesions among patients with SLE.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that the genetic polymorphisms at the CD4 enhancer gene are associated with the risk of development of RA and SLE. They are also associated with mucosal ulcer lesions in patients with SLE.
Functional Polymorphisms of Folate-Metabolizing Enzymes in Relation to Homocysteine Concentrations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: SUMMERS CAROLYN M. , CUCCHIARA ANDREW J. , NACKOS ELENI , HAMMONS ANDREA L. , MOHR ELISABETH , WHITEHEAD ALEXANDER S. , VON FELDT JOAN M.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To determine if functional polymorphisms of folate/homocysteine pathway enzymes are associated with homocysteine concentrations and/or coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and controls.

Methods

We investigated 163 SLE patients and 160 controls. Functional polymorphisms in 6 genes in the folate/homocysteine pathway were genotyped: 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) 677C>T, MTHFR 1298A>C, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) 844ins68, methionine synthase (MTR) 2756A>G, methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) 66A>G, thymidylate synthase (TYMS) 1494del6, and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) c.86+60_78.

Results

Homocysteine levels were higher in African American SLE patients than Caucasian patients and African American controls. Genotype distributions were significantly different in African American and Caucasian controls for 6 of the 7 polymorphisms. Genotype distributions for each polymorphism did not differ significantly between SLE patients and controls even after stratification by race. Glomerular filtration rate was strongly negatively correlated to homocysteine levels, and was therefore adjusted for as a covariate in the models of the effects of the polymorphisms on homocysteine levels. In SLE patients none of the 7 polymorphisms was associated with homocysteine concentrations. In Caucasian controls only MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C showed effects on homocysteine similar to what would be expected from the literature. There were no genotypic associations with median CAC scores in SLE patients or controls with and without stratification by race.

Conclusion

Polymorphisms in folate/homocysteine metabolizing enzymes do not predict higher homocysteine levels or CAC scores in patients with SLE.
Different Genetic Effects of Interferon Regulatory Factor 5 (IRF5) Polymorphisms on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Korean Population
Authors: SHIN HYOUNG DOO , KIM IL , CHOI CHAN-BUM , LEE SOO OK , LEE HYE WON , BAE SANG-CHEOL
Published: November 2008

Objective

In an effort to replicate additional associations of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) polymorphisms with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in an Asian population, we examined those genetic effects in a Korean SLE cohort.

Methods

Each IRF5 polymorphism was genotyped in 1565 subjects using the TaqMan method and examined to determine whether it could explain the association with SLE.

Results

Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (IRF5-15-1, rs2070197, and rs10488631), which showed strong and/or independent association in Caucasian populations, were not polymorphic in our Korean population. Association analysis revealed different genetic effects in Koreans compared with Caucasian populations. In addition, conditional analysis suggested independent genetic effects of 3 variant groups in the Korean population.

Conclusion

We demonstrate different genetic effects of IRF5 polymorphisms on the risk of SLE according to ethnicity.
RAPID3 (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3), a Rheumatoid Arthritis Index Without Formal Joint Counts for Routine Care: Proposed Severity Categories Compared to Disease Activity Score and Clinical Disease Activity Index Categories
Authors: PINCUS THEODORE , SWEARINGEN CHRISTOPHER J. , BERGMAN MARTIN , YAZICI YUSUF
Published: November 2008

Objective

To compare 4 categories (high, moderate, and low severity, and near-remission) of RAPID3 (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 3), an index without formal joint counts, which is scored in < 10 seconds to 4 categories of the DiseaseActivity Score (DAS28) and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

All patients complete a Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire (MDHAQ) at each visit. A physician/assessor 28-joint count and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were completed in 285 patients with RA in usual care by 3 rheumatologists to score DAS28, CDAI, and RAPID3. RAPID3 includes the 3 MDHAQ patient self-report RA Core Data Set measures for physical function, pain, and patient global estimate. Proposed RAPID3 (range 0–10) severity categories of high (> 4), moderate (2.01–4), low (1.01–2), and near-remission (≤ 1) were compared to DAS (0–10) activity categories of high (> 5.1), moderate (3.21–5.1), low (2.61–3.2), and remission (≤ 2.6), and CDAI (0–76) categories of > 22, 10.1–22.0, 2.9–10.0, and ≤ 2.8. Additional RAPID scores, which add to RAPID3 a physician/assessor or patient self-report joint count and/or assessor global estimate, were also analyzed. Statistical significance was analyzed using Spearman correlations, cross-tabulations, and kappa statistics.

Results

All RAPID scores were correlated significantly with DAS28 and CDAI (rho > 0.65, p < 0.001). Overall, 78%–84% of patients who met DAS28 or CDAI moderate/high activity criteria met similar RAPID severity criteria, and 68%–77% who met DAS28 or CDAI remission/low activity criteria also met similar RAPID criteria. RAPID3 was as informative as other indices.

Conclusion

RAPID3 provides a feasible, informative quantitative index for busy clinical settings.
Increased Serum Levels of Nɛ-(hexanoyl)lysine, A New Marker of Oxidative Stress, in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: SHIMIZU KAZUHIRO , OGAWA FUMIHIDE , AKIYAMA YUICHIRO , MUROI EIJI , YOSHIZAKI AYUMI , IWATA YOHEI , KOMURA KAZUHIRO , BAE SANGJAE , SATO] SHINICHI
Published: November 2008

Objective

To determine serum levels of Nɛ-(hexanoyl)lysine (HEL), a new marker of oxidative stress, and its clinical association in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Serum HEL levels from 26 patients with limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc), 34 with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc), 20 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 with dermatomyositis (DM), and 40 healthy individuals were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Serum HEL levels were elevated in patients with SSc compared with healthy controls (n = 40) with similar levels between patients with lSSc and dSSc (p < 0.0001). SSc patients with elevated HEL levels had increased serum levels of anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody, rheumatoid factor (RF), and IgM than those with normal HEL levels (p < 0.05). HEL levels correlated positively with anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody (p = 0.013, r = 0.408) and RF titer (p = 0.0028, r = 0.426).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that oxidative stress may play an important role in immunological abnormalities of SSc, especially in the production of autoantibodies including anti-agalactosyl IgG antibody and RF.
Circulating Osteoprotegerin and Soluble RANK Ligand in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: DOVIO ANDREA , DATA VALERIA , CARIGNOLA RENATO , CALZOLARI GILBERTO , VITETTA ROSETTA , VENTURA MASSIMO , SABA LAURA , SEVERINO ADRIANA , ANGELI ALBERTO
Published: November 2008

Objective

Microvascular damage is an early pathogenetic event in systemic sclerosis (SSc). The receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)/RANK/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system is involved in vascular biology. Our aim was to assess OPG and soluble RANKL (sRANKL) serum levels in patients with SSc and healthy controls.

Methods

Sixty patients with SSc (median age 58, range 31–72 yrs) and 60 healthy subjects matched for age, sex, and menopausal status were recruited. Serum OPG, sRANKL, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule (sVCAM; marker of endothelial activation/injury), and bone turnover markers were measured. Bone mineral density in patients was assessed and cardiovascular/coronary risk was estimated.

Results

OPG was similar in the 2 groups, while sRANKL and sRANKL/OPG ratio was higher in patients (p = 0.01 for both). sVCAM was markedly higher in patients (p < 0.001). OPG levels correlated positively with age in both patients (Spearman R = 0.50, p < 0.001) and controls (R = 0.56, p < 0.001). In patients, OPG was lower in men and higher in those with active ulcers or calcinosis. sRANKL levels were higher in patients treated with platelet aggregation inhibitors, and correlated negatively with densitometric measures. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were significantly lower in patients (p < 0.001). In patients, OPG levels correlated positively with cardiovascular and coronary risk (R = 0.28, p = 0.05 and R = 0.34, p < 0.01, respectively) and were higher in patients with hypertension and left ventricular hypertrophy. sVCAMlevels correlated positively with cardiovascular and coronary risk (R = 0.27, p = 0.06, and R = 0.38, p < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Higher sRANKL levels and sRANKL/OPG ratio in patients with SSc are likely to be a consequence of altered bone microenvironment. We show a dissociation between the well established marker of endothelial activation/injury, sVCAM, and the alleged marker of vascular damage, OPG, in patients with SSc. Further studies are needed to better ascertain the relationships of the RANKL/RANK/OPG system with the progression of macro- and microvascular damage.
Changing Patterns in Mortality and Disease Outcomes for Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: UROWITZ MURRAY B. , GLADMAN DAFNA D. , TOM BRIAN D.M. , IBAÑEZ DOMINIQUE , FAREWELL VERNON T.
Published: November 2008

Objective

Survival of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) has improved significantly, but new morbidities have emerged, leading to altered patterns of outcome in this disease. We examined changes in mortality and other outcomes over time in a large SLE cohort.

Methods

A group of 1241 patients from the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic followed prospectively were divided into 4 entry cohorts — 1: 1970–1978, 2: 1979–1987, 3: 1988–1996, 4: 1997–2005. These cohorts were followed through four 9-year calendar periods defined over the same intervals. Both cohort and calendar effects were assessed for the following outcomes: mortality (standardized mortality ratio; SMR), disease activity over time (adjusted mean SLEDAI; AMS), cumulative damage (Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics Damage Index; SDI), coronary artery disease (CAD), and osteonecrosis (ON). Cox regression models were used to further investigate mortality and the influence on it of the disease-related factors.

Results

Over the 36-year period of the study, 211 deaths occurred. The overall SMR in the first and last decades were 12.60 (95% CI: 9.13, 17.39) and 3.46 (95% CI: 2.71, 4.40) respectively. When SMR were stratified by the entry cohort and calendar period, there is evidence of a calendar-period effect but no cohort effect. The AMS decreased over the decades, while SDI, CAD, and ON increased. There were significant detrimental effects for male sex, CAD, AMS, SDI, and use of immunosuppressive drugs and significant protective effects for use of antimalarials and the effect of calendar period on mortality.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates improved survival in patients with SLE over a 36-year period. Disease-related variables included in the model are important factors for mortality in this SLE cohort, but could not completely explain the trend of improved survival over calendar period observed.
Risk Factors for Developing Osteonecrosis After Prophylaxis in Steroid-treated Rabbits
Authors: MOTOMURA GORO , YAMAMOTO TAKUAKI , MIYANISHI KEITA , KONDO KYOKO , HIROTA YOSHIO , IWAMOTO YUKIHIDE
Published: November 2008

Objective

Both abnormal lipid metabolisms and coagulopathy have been suggested to be associated with the development of steroid-induced osteonecrosis (ON). We examined plasma risk factors for development of steroid-induced ON in rabbits after prophylaxis with a lipid-lowering agent and/or an anticoagulant.

Methods

Seventy adult male rabbits were injected intramuscularly once with 20 mg/kg methylprednisolone acetate. Fifty-five rabbits received prophylaxis with probucol (a lipid-lowering agent; n = 20) or warfarin (an anticoagulant; n = 14) or both (n = 21). Probucol and warfarin were administered beginning 1 to 2 weeks prior to steroid injection. Two weeks after steroid injection, the bilateral femora and humeri were examined histopathologically for the presence of ON. Based on a logistic regression model, laboratory variables before steroid injection were assessed to determine whether they demonstrated any association with the risk of ON.

Results

Twenty-one rabbits developed ON. In the univariate analyses, significant positive associations were observed between plasma concentrations of triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein and the risk of development of ON. In the multivariate model, only the plasma triglyceride level suggested a positive association. Even after adjusting for probucol and warfarin use, the plasma triglyceride level was still suggested to be a predictor for development of ON. Rabbits with higher baseline triglyceride levels had a more pronounced triglyceride increase in their response to steroids.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that, after prophylaxis with probucol and/or warfarin, plasma triglyceride level is associated with the development of steroid-induced ON in rabbits.
Patient-Oriented Methotrexate Information Sites on the Internet: A Review of Completeness, Accuracy, Format, Reliability, Credibility, and Readability
Authors: THOMPSON ANDREW E. , GRAYDON SARA L.
Published: November 2008

Objective

With continuing use of the Internet, rheumatologists are referring patients to various websites to gain information about medications and diseases. Our goal was to develop and evaluate a Medication Website Assessment Tool (MWAT) for use by health professionals, and to explore the overall quality of methotrexate information presented on common English-language websites.

Methods

Identification of websites was performed using a search strategy on the search engine Google. The first 250 hits were screened. Inclusion criteria included those English-language websites from authoritative sources, trusted medical, physicians’, and common health-related websites. Websites from pharmaceutical companies, online pharmacies, and where the purpose seemed to be primarily advertisements were also included. Product monographs or technical-based web pages and web pages where the information was clearly directed at patients with cancer were excluded. Two reviewers independently scored each included web page for completeness and accuracy, format, readability, reliability, and credibility. An overall ranking was provided for each methotrexate information page.

Results

Twenty-eight web pages were included in the analysis. The average score for completeness and accuracy was 15.48 ± 3.70 (maximum 24) with 10 out of 28 pages scoring 18 (75%) or higher. The average format score was 6.00 ± 1.46 (maximum 8). The Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level revealed an average grade level of 10.07 ± 1.84, with 5 out of 28 websites written at a reading level less than grade 8; however, no web page scored at a grade 5 to 6 level. An overall ranking was calculated identifying 8 web pages as appropriate sources of accurate and reliable methotrexate information.

Conclusion

With the enormous amount of information available on the Internet, it is important to direct patients to web pages that are complete, accurate, readable, and credible sources of information. We identified web pages that may serve the interests of both rheumatologists and patients.
Changes in the relationship between children and television
Authors: Fuenzalida-Fernández Valerio
Published: November 2008

This paper presents some changes occurring in Latin America related to the relationship between children and television channels and programs. There are new ways of television consumption by children at home, and new tendencies in the understanding of reception processes in children programming. Television production has had considerable change and this has produced important transformations in children’s representations inside the text. Mediation is required in order to take advantage of this programming.

En este artículo se presentarán algunos cambios que están apareciendo en América Latina en la relación de los niños con los canales y programas televisivos. Estos cambios aparecen en las nuevas formas de consumo infantil y en nuevas tendencias en el análisis de la recepción de los programas infantiles; pero también en las nuevas formas de realización de los programas, que involucran cambios en la representación infantil simbólica en el texto. La plena utilidad de estos programas requiere del proceso de mediación.
Do young audiences learn from media?
Authors: López-de-la-Roche Maritza
Published: November 2008

The article revisits the old debate about media influence, focusing on whether children learn from television or not. It argues that TV per se does not guarantee that a child will build knowledge because mediations connected to family members, peers, or school teachers are necessary to activate learning processes. From this perspective the issue of media influence is related to cultural and school capital and to impersonal communication. Attention is drawn to the contribution of the media to the child’s acquisition of cultural capital.

El artículo retoma el antiguo debate acerca de la influencia de los medios, enfocándolo en la pregunta acerca del aprendizaje del niño a partir de la televisión. Plantea que si no ocurren procesos de comunicación interpersonal, como las mediaciones de los adultos y pares del grupo familiar o las de los maestros en el sistema escolar, este medio «per se» no garantiza que el niño construya conocimiento. El problema de la influencia se analiza entonces relacionándolo con los factores de capital escolar/cultural del niño y su familia, y con los procesos de interacción. Se tiene en cuenta la contribución actual a la adquisición de capital escolar y cultural del niño.
The right to access to the media: methodological reflections
Authors: Callejo-Gallego Manuel Javier
Published: November 2008

The objective of the article is to show the possibility that the monitoring of the presence of the social groups in the mass media of public ownership has, because of the lack of development of the Right of Access. A minimum empirical approximation to such presence highlights two aspects. On the one hand, the scarce presence of the social groups and, therefore, of the civil society, in the media. On the other hand, some essential methodological decisions that should be previously taken.

El objetivo del artículo es mostrar la posibilidad que tiene el seguimiento de la presencia de los grupos sociales en los medios de comunicación de titularidad pública, ante la falta de desarrollo del derecho de acceso. Una mínima aproximación empírica a tal presencia pone de relieve dos cuestiones. Por un lado, la escasa presencia de los grupos sociales y, por lo tanto, de la sociedad civil, en los medios. Por otro lado, algunas decisiones metodológicas esenciales que debieran resolverse de manera previa.
Language’s alterations in the digital era
Authors: Parrilla Ernesto Antonio
Published: November 2008

Language is historically subject to changes. At the present time the principle of alteration postulated one hundred years ago by Ferdinand de Saussure, father of modern linguistics, is easily observed in new mass media such as those generated by computer science (chat, msn, forums, etc.) and the mobile phones (sms). Although this principle guarantees the continuity of languages, it is not taken into account when debating, when voices arise in favour and against the new codes of communication arise.

El lenguaje, históricamente, está sujeto a cambios. En la actualidad el principio de alteración postulado hace cien años por Ferdinand de Saussure, padre de la lingüística moderna, se observa con fuerza en los nuevos medios de comunicación que posee el hombre para interactuar, como los generados por la informática (chat, msn, foros, etc.) y la telefonía móvil (sms). Si bien este principio garantiza la continuidad de la(s) lengua(s), no es tenido en cuenta a la hora del debate, donde se levantan voces a favor y en contra de los nuevos «códigos» de comunicación.