bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Hebbian Long-Term Potentiation of Inhibitory Synapses in the Thalamus
Authors: Sieber Andrea Rahel , Min Rogier , Nevian Thomas
Published: October 2013

The thalamus integrates and transmits sensory information to the neocortex. The activity of thalamocortical relay (TC) cells is modulated by specific inhibitory circuits. Although this inhibition plays a crucial role in regulating thalamic activity, little is known about long-term changes in synaptic strength at these inhibitory synapses. Therefore, we studied long-term plasticity of inhibitory inputs to TC cells in the posterior medial nucleus of the thalamus by combining patch-clamp recordings with two-photon fluorescence microscopy in rat brain slices. We found that specific activity patterns in the postsynaptic TC cell induced inhibitory long-term potentiation (iLTP). This iLTP was non-Hebbian because it did not depend on the timing between presynaptic and postsynaptic activity, but it could be induced by postsynaptic burst activity alone. iLTP required postsynaptic dendritic Ca2+influx evoked by low-threshold Ca2+spikes. In contrast, tonic postsynaptic spiking from a depolarized membrane potential (−50 mV), which suppressed these low-threshold Ca2+spikes, induced no plasticity. The postsynaptic dendritic Ca2+increase triggered the synthesis of nitric oxide that retrogradely activated presynaptic guanylyl cyclase, resulting in the presynaptic expression of iLTP. The dependence of iLTP on the membrane potential and therefore on the postsynaptic discharge mode suggests that this form of iLTP might occur during sleep, when TC cells discharge in bursts. Therefore, iLTP might be involved in sleep state-dependent modulation of thalamic information processing and thalamic oscillations.
Rapid Feedback Responses Correlate with Reach Adaptation and Properties of Novel Upper Limb Loads
Authors: Cluff Tyler , Scott Stephen H.
Published: October 2013

A hallmark of voluntary motor control is the ability to adjust motor patterns for novel mechanical or visuomotor contexts. Recent work has also highlighted the importance of feedback for voluntary control, leading to the hypothesis that feedback responses should adapt when we learn new motor skills. We tested this prediction with a novel paradigm requiring that human subjects adapt to a viscous elbow load while reaching to three targets. Target 1 required combined shoulder and elbow motion, target 2 required only elbow motion, and target 3 (probe target) required shoulder but no elbow motion. This simple approach controlled muscle activity at the probe target before, during, and after the application of novel elbow loads. Our paradigm allowed us to perturb the elbow during reaching movements to the probe target and identify several key properties of adapted stretch responses. Adapted long-latency responses expressed (de-) adaptation similar to reaching errors observed when we introduced (removed) the elbow load. Moreover, reaching errors during learning correlated with changes in the long-latency response, showing subjects who adapted more to the elbow load displayed greater modulation of their stretch responses. These adapted responses were sensitive to the size and direction of the viscous training load. Our results highlight an important link between the adaptation of feedforward and feedback control and suggest a key part of motor adaptation is to adjust feedback responses to the requirements of novel motor skills.
Cognitive Factors Modulate Activity within the Human Subthalamic Nucleus during Voluntary Movement in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Oswal Ashwini , Litvak Vladimir , Brücke Christof , Huebl Julius , Schneider Gerd-Helge , Kühn Andrea A. , Brown Peter
Published: October 2013

Movement is accompanied by changes in the degree to which neurons in corticobasal ganglia loops synchronize their activity within discrete frequency ranges. Although two principal frequency bands—beta (15–30 Hz) and gamma (60–90 Hz)—have been implicated in motor control, the precise functional correlates of their activities remain unclear. Local field potential (LFP) recordings in humans with Parkinson's disease undergoing surgery for deep brain stimulation to the subthalamic nucleus (STN) indicate that spectral changes both anticipate movement and occur perimovement. The extent to which such changes are modulated by cognitive factors involved in making a correct response seems critical in characterizing the functional associations of these oscillations. Accordingly, by recording LFP activity from the STN in parkinsonian patients, we demonstrate that perimovement beta and gamma reactivity is modulated by task complexity in a dopamine-dependent manner, despite the dynamics of the movement remaining unchanged. In contrast, spectral changes occurring in anticipation of future movement were limited to the beta band and, although modulated by dopaminergic therapy, were not modulated by task complexity. Our findings suggest two dopamine-dependent processes indexed by spectral changes in the STN: (1) an anticipatory activity reflected in the beta band that signals the likelihood of future action but does not proactively change with the cognitive demands of the potential response, and (2) perimovement activity that involves reciprocal beta and gamma band changes and is not exclusively related to explicit motor processing. Rather perimovement activity can also vary with, and may reflect, the cognitive complexity of the task.
Filamin A Regulates Neuronal Migration through Brefeldin A-Inhibited Guanine Exchange Factor 2-Dependent Arf1 Activation
Authors: Zhang Jingping , Neal Jason , Lian Gewei , Hu Jianjun , Lu Jie , Sheen Volney
Published: October 2013

Periventricular heterotopias is a malformation of cortical development, characterized by ectopic neuronal nodules around ventricle lining and caused by an initial migration defect during early brain development. Human mutations in the Filamin A (FLNA) and ADP-ribosylation factor guanine exchange factor 2 [ARFGEF2; encoding brefeldin-A-inhibited guanine exchange factor-2 (BIG2)] genes give rise to this disorder. Previously, we have reported that Big2 inhibition impairs neuronal migration and binds to FlnA, and its loss promotes FlnA phosphorylation. FlnA phosphorylation dictates FlnA–actin binding affinity and consequently alters focal adhesion size and number to effect neuronal migration. Here we show that FlnA loss similarly impairs migration, reciprocally enhances Big2 expression, but also alters Big2 subcellular localization in both null and conditional FlnA mice. FlnA phosphorylation promotes relocalization of Big2 from the Golgi toward the lipid ruffles, thereby activating Big2-dependent Arf1 at the cell membrane. Loss of FlnA phosphorylation or Big2 function impairs Arf1-dependent vesicle trafficking at the periphery, and Arf1 is required for maintenance of cell–cell junction connectivity and focal adhesion assembly. Loss of Arf1 activity disrupts neuronal migration and cell adhesion. Collectively, these studies demonstrate a potential mechanism whereby coordinated interactions between actin (through FlnA) and vesicle trafficking (through Big2-Arf) direct the assembly and disassembly of membrane protein complexes required for neuronal migration and neuroependymal integrity.
Role of Medial Prefrontal Cortex Serotonin 2A Receptors in the Control of Retrieval of Recognition Memory in Rats
Authors: Bekinschtein Pedro , Renner Maria Constanza , Gonzalez Maria Carolina , Weisstaub Noelia
Published: October 2013

Often, retrieval cues are not uniquely related to one specific memory, which could lead to memory interference. Controlling interference is particularly important during episodic memory retrieval or when remembering specific events in a spatiotemporal context. Despite a clear involvement of prefrontal cortex (PFC) in episodic memory in human studies, information regarding the mechanisms and neurotransmitter systems in PFC involved in memory is scarce. Although the serotoninergic system has been linked to PFC functionality and modulation, its role in memory processing is poorly understood. We hypothesized that the serotoninergic system in PFC, in particular the 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) could have a role in the control of memory retrieval. In this work we used different versions of the object recognition task in rats to study the role of the serotoninergic modulation in the medial PFC (mPFC) in memory retrieval. We found that blockade of 5-HT2AR in mPFC affects retrieval of an object in context memory in a spontaneous novelty preference task, while sparing single-item recognition memory. We also determined that 5-HT2ARs in mPFC are required for hippocampal–mPFC interaction during retrieval of this type of memory, suggesting that the mPFC controls the expression of memory traces stored in the hippocampus biasing retrieval to the most relevant one.
Suppression of Inflammation with Conditional Deletion of the Prostaglandin E2EP2 Receptor in Macrophages and Brain Microglia
Authors: Johansson Jenny U. , Pradhan Suraj , Lokteva Ludmila A. , Woodling Nathaniel S. , Ko Novie , Brown Holden D. , Wang Qian , Loh Christina , Cekanaviciute Egle , Buckwalter Marion , Manning-Boğ Amy B. , Andreasson Katrin I.
Published: October 2013

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2), a potent lipid signaling molecule, modulates inflammatory responses through activation of downstream G-protein coupled EP1–4receptors. Here, we investigated the cell-specificin vivofunction of PGE2signaling through its E-prostanoid 2 (EP2) receptor in murine innate immune responses systemically and in the CNS.In vivo, systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) resulted in a broad induction of cytokines and chemokines in plasma that was significantly attenuated in EP2-deficient mice.Ex vivostimulation of peritoneal macrophages with LPS elicited proinflammatory responses that were dependent on EP2 signaling and that overlapped within vivoplasma findings, suggesting that myeloid-lineage EP2 signaling is a major effector of innate immune responses. Conditional deletion of the EP2 receptor in myeloid lineage cells in Cd11bCre;EP2lox/loxmice attenuated plasma inflammatory responses and transmission of systemic inflammation to the brain was inhibited, with decreased hippocampal inflammatory gene expression and cerebral cortical levels of IL-6. Conditional deletion of EP2 significantly blunted microglial and astrocytic inflammatory responses to the neurotoxin MPTP and reduced striatal dopamine turnover. Suppression of microglial EP2 signaling also increased numbers of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra independent of MPTP treatment, suggesting that microglial EP2 may influence development or survival of DA neurons. Unbiased microarray analysis of microglia isolated from adult Cd11bCre;EP2lox/loxand control mice demonstrated a broad downregulation of inflammatory pathways with ablation of microglial EP2 receptor. Together, these data identify a cell-specific proinflammatory role for macrophage/microglial EP2 signaling in innate immune responses systemically and in brain.
Updating Expected Action Outcome in the Medial Frontal Cortex Involves an Evaluation of Error Type
Authors: Maier Martin E. , Steinhauser Marco
Published: October 2013

Forming expectations about the outcome of an action is an important prerequisite for action control and reinforcement learning in the human brain. The medial frontal cortex (MFC) has been shown to play an important role in the representation of outcome expectations, particularly when an update of expected outcome becomes necessary because an error is detected. However, error detection alone is not always sufficient to compute expected outcome because errors can occur in various ways and different types of errors may be associated with different outcomes. In the present study, we therefore investigate whether updating expected outcome in the human MFC is based on an evaluation of error type. Our approach was to consider an electrophysiological correlate of MFC activity on errors, the error-related negativity (Ne/ERN), in a task in which two types of errors could occur. Because the two error types were associated with different amounts of monetary loss, updating expected outcomes on error trials required an evaluation of error type. Our data revealed a pattern of Ne/ERN amplitudes that closely mirrored the amount of monetary loss associated with each error type, suggesting that outcome expectations are updated based on an evaluation of error type. We propose that this is achieved by a proactive evaluation process that anticipates error types by continuously monitoring error sources or by dynamically representing possible response–outcome relations.
GLP1 analogs as treatment of postprandial hypoglycemia following gastric bypass surgery: a potential new indication?
Authors: Abrahamsson Niclas , Engström Britt Edén , Sundbom Magnus , Karlsson F Anders
Published: October 2013

Objective

The number of morbidly obese subjects submitted to bariatric surgery is rising worldwide. In a fraction of patients undergoing gastric bypass (GBP), episodes with late postprandial hypoglycemia (PPHG) develop 1–3 years after surgery. The pathogenesis of this phenomenon is not fully understood; meal-induced rapid and exaggerated increases of circulating incretins and insulin appear to be at least partially responsible. Current treatments include low-carbohydrate diets, inhibition of glucose intestinal uptake, reduction of insulin secretion with calcium channel blockers, somatostatin analogs, or diazoxide, a KATP channel opener. Even partial pancreatectomy has been advocated. In type 2 diabetes, GLP1 analogs have a well-documented effect of stabilizing glucose levels without causing hypoglycemia.

Design

We explored GLP1 analogs as open treatment in five consecutive GBP cases seeking medical attention because of late postprandial hypoglycemic symptoms.

Results

Glucose measured in connection with the episodes in four of the cases had been 2.7, 2.5, 1.8, and 1.6 mmol/l respectively. The patients consistently described that the analogs eliminated their symptoms, which relapsed in four of the five patients when treatment was reduced/discontinued. The drug effect was further documented in one case by repeated 24-h continuous glucose measurements.

Conclusion

These open, uncontrolled observations suggest that GLP1 analogs might provide a new treatment option in patients with problems of late PPHG.
Adrenocortical carcinoma: clinical outcomes and prognosis of 330 patients at a tertiary care center
Authors: Ayala-Ramirez Montserrat , Jasim Sina , Feng Lei , Ejaz Shamim , Deniz Ferhat , Busaidy Naifa , Waguespack Steven G , Naing Aung , Sircar Kanishka , Wood Christopher G , Pagliaro Lance , Jimenez Camilo , Vassilopoulou-Sellin Rena , Habra Mouhammed Amir
Published: October 2013

Objective

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with a poor prognosis. Herein, we describe the clinical features and outcomes for a large series of ACC patients.

Design and methods

Retrospective review of ACC patients seen at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center from 1998 through 2011.

Results

A total of 330 patients with median age at diagnosis of 48.5 years; 12 (3.6%) patients were under 18 years. Hormonally functioning tumors represented 41.8% (n=138) of all cases. Surgical resection for the primary tumor was done in 275 (83.3%) patients (45 at MD Anderson (16.4%)). For those who had surgical resection, the median local-recurrence-free time was 1.04 years. Factors associated with local recurrence included positive surgical margins (P=0.007) and advanced disease stage (P=0.026). Median overall survival time for all patients was 3.21 years. Median survival times were 24.1, 6.08, 3.47, and 0.89 years for stages I, II, III, and IV respectively. In multivariable analysis, older age, functioning tumors, and higher disease stage remained significant prognostic factors associated with poor survival.

Conclusion

ACC prognosis remains poor with the use of currently available treatments. Older age, functioning tumors, and incomplete resections are clinical factors associated with poor survival. Surgical expertise is important to achieve complete resections and to improve outcome.
Network analysis: a new approach to study endocrine disorders
Authors: Stevens A , De Leonibus C , Hanson D , Dowsey A W , Whatmore A , Meyer S , Donn R P , Chatelain P , Banerjee I , Cosgrove K E , Clayton P E , Dunne M J
Published: October 2013

Systems biology is the study of the interactions that occur between the components of individual cells – including genes, proteins, transcription factors, small molecules, and metabolites, and their relationships to complex physiological and pathological processes. The application of systems biology to medicine promises rapid advances in both our understanding of disease and the development of novel treatment options. Network biology has emerged as the primary tool for studying systems biology as it utilises the mathematical analysis of the relationships between connected objects in a biological system and allows the integration of varied ‘omic’ datasets (including genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, etc.). Analysis of network biology generates interactome models to infer and assess function; to understand mechanisms, and to prioritise candidates for further investigation. This review provides an overview of network methods used to support this research and an insight into current applications of network analysis applied to endocrinology. A wide spectrum of endocrine disorders are included ranging from congenital hyperinsulinism in infancy, through childhood developmental and growth disorders, to the development of metabolic diseases in early and late adulthood, such as obesity and obesity-related pathologies. In addition to providing a deeper understanding of diseases processes, network biology is also central to the development of personalised treatment strategies which will integrate pharmacogenomics with systems biology of the individual.
Dietary restriction in the periconceptional period in normal-weight or obese ewes results in increased abundance of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) in the absence of changes in ACE or AT1R methylation in the adrenal of the offspring
Authors: Zhang Song , Morrison Janna L , Gill Amreet , Rattanatray Leewen , MacLaughlin Severence M , Kleemann David , Walker Simon K , McMillen I Caroline
Published: October 2013

Exposure to dietary restriction during the periconceptional period in either normal or obese ewes results in increased adrenal growth and a greater cortisol response to stress in the offspring, but the mechanisms that programme these changes are not fully understood. Activation of the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) has been demonstrated to stimulate adrenal growth and steroidogenesis. We have used an embryo transfer model in the sheep to investigate the effects of exposure to dietary restriction in normal or obese mothers from before and 1 week after conception on the methylation status, expression, abundance and localisation of key components of the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) in the adrenal of post-natal lambs. Maternal dietary restriction in normal or obese ewes during the periconceptional period resulted in an increase in angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and AT1R abundance in the absence of changes in the methylation status or mRNA expression ofACEandAT1Rin the adrenal of the offspring. Exposure to maternal obesity alone also resulted in an increase in adrenal AT1R abundance. There was no effect of maternal dietary restriction or obesity on ACE2 and AT2R or on ERK, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase II abundance, and their phosphorylated forms in the lamb adrenal. Thus, weight loss around the time of conception, in both normal-weight and obese ewes, results in changes within the intra-adrenal RAS consistent with increased AT1R activation. These changes within the intra-adrenal RAS system may contribute to the greater adrenal stress response following exposure to signals of adversity in the periconceptional period.
Correlation between stability, structural indicators and organic matter in soils used for growing malting barley
Authors: Prieto Méndez J. , Acevedo Sandoval O. , Prieto García F.
Published: October 2013

Soil structure stability depends on several factors and its assessment is conducted using different methods and prediction indices. One of the indicators is soil organic matter (SOM), since this helps to keep mineral particles together against destabilizing forces such as wetting and raindrop impact. However, previous studies have emphasized the relationship between aggregate stability and SOM content without considering its type or quality. Therefore, in this study the association between the quality and content of SOM and the structural stability of the surface layer was evaluated in three soils used for growing malting barley in the southern part of Hidalgo State, Mexico. With simple random sampling nine observation points were selected in each soil, where samples were taken in order to determine the stable aggregate size distribution, particle size distribution, content and fractionation of SOM, and the prediction indices of surface sealing and crusting derived from these characteristics. The soils showed low structural stability (except in Apan), as shown by the percentage runoff recorded in the field. There was a close association between the size (from 4 to 2 mm and <0.25 mm) of water-stable aggregates and the different fractions of SOM, while the fulvic acid (FA) fraction had a negative relationship with smaller aggregates (R = −0.84). Finally, it was found that only the FAO crusting index was able to predict the structural stability level in the soil.
Involucrin in the differential diagnosis between linear psoriasis and inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus: a report of one case
Authors: Ferreira Flávia Regina , Chiacchio Nilton Gioia Di , Alvarenga Márcia Lanzoni de , Mandelbaum Samuel Henrique
Published: October 2013

Inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus is a variant of verrucous epidermal nevus, characterized by recurrent inflammatory phenomena. Despite well-established clinical manifestations, the differential diagnosis between inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus and linear psoriasis remains difficult. Clinical history, physical examination and histopathology analysis may not be sufficient to confirm the diagnosis. We report the case of a 4-year-old girl in which the involucrin immunostaining was helpful in the diagnosis of inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevus. Our findings confirm that involucrin immunohistochemistry is a useful tool in such cases.
Pulse therapy in pemphigus: report of 11 cases
Authors: Fernandes Nurimar Conceicao , Menezes Mariana
Published: October 2013

In this study, five cases of pemphigus vulgaris and two cases of pemphigus foliaceus were treated with cyclophosphamide pulse therapy associated with prednisone, resulting in the need for a smaller maintenance dose of prednisone. In three cases of pemphigus vulgaris and one case of pemphigus foliaceus, dexamethasone and cyclophosphamide pulse therapy associated with prednisone helped the lesions to heal more rapidly. Neither treatment however prevented the recurrence of the disease. Amenorrhea, myelotoxicity and Stevens-Johnson syndrome were among the cyclophosphamide side effects. All the patients treated with prednisone experienced known side effects.
Dermatofibroma in a black tattoo: report of a case
Authors: Bittencourt Maraya de Jesus Semblano , Miranda Mario Fernando Ribeiro de , Parijos Amanda Magno de , Mesquita Leticia Brito , Fonseca Diana Mendes da , Jambo Diego Augusto Aiezza
Published: October 2013

Tattooing has been associated with a variety of complications including inflammatory and granulomatous reactions, transmission of infections, and neoplasms. We report a case of a 24-year-old male who presented with a 2-month history of an erythematous nodule involving a newly made tattoo on the right leg. An excisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological evaluation was consistent with dermatofibroma. Only three cases of dermatofibroma associated with tatooing were reported in litetature. We report an additional case and review the literature regarding cutaneous reactions to tattoos.
Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis: report of two brazilian cases
Authors: Rocha Lilian Kelly , Nico Marcello Menta Simonsen
Published: October 2013

Circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis is a recently recognized dermatosis and rarely reported. It was first described in 2002 and is characterized by localized loss of the horny layer in the palmoplantar area. This dermatosis is clinically presented with a sharply circumscribed, reddish and asymptomatic plaque with slightly depressed surface localized on the palms or the soles. The clinical differential diagnosis includes mainly porokeratosis and Bowen's disease. Its pathogenesis remains unknown, but studies have proposed a human papillomavirus induced disease or a localized keratinization disorder in the palmoplantar area. We report herein two cases of patients with lesions clinically and microscopically compatible with the diagnosis of circumscribed palmoplantar hypokeratosis. We also present a brief literature review of the etiopathogenic hyphoteses of this dermatosis.
Fixed drug eruption caused by tadalafil - case report
Authors: Bjekic Milan , Markovic Milica , Sipetic Sandra
Published: October 2013

Fixed drug eruptions (FDE) are commonly reported type of mucocutaneous drug eruption. The aim of this paper is to present a patient with multiple mucocutaneous erythema fixum type lesions caused by oral tadalafil use. A short course of topical corticosteroid therapy resulted in complete resolution of all lesions leaving residual hyperpigmentation of the involved skin sites. Mucosal oral lesions were effectively treated with gingival hyaluronic acid 0.2% gel. Conclusion: when assessing a patient of any age with drug eruptions, a thorough personal history should be obtained, in particular data on regular or recreational use of phospodiesterase type 5 inhibitors.
Cutaneous mosaicisms: concepts, patterns and classifications
Authors: Kouzak Samara Silva , Mendes Marcela Sena Teixeira , Costa Izelda Maria Carvalho
Published: October 2013

A mosaic is an organism composed of two or more genetically distinct cell populations derived from a genetically homogeneous zygote. Cutaneous mosaicisms are the clinical expressions of these disorders. The main event which allows the existence of mosaicism is a genetic mutation, either structural or functional. Cutaneous mosaicisms usually manifest by specific patterns on the skin and the archetypic pattern is the system of Blaschko lines, but others include checkerboard, phylloid, large patches without midline separation and lateralization. Since 1901, when Blaschko lines were first described, the study of mosasicism has helped to elucidate the behavior of numerous genetic diseases, generating therapeutic perspectives for these pathologies, including the promising gene therapy.
Colonization by S. Aureusincreases the EASI and the number of appointments by patients with atopic dermatitis: cohort with 93 patients
Authors: Lipnharski Caroline , d'Azevedo Pedro Alves , Quinto Vanessa Petry , Bessa Giancarlo , Bonamigo Renan Rangel
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND:Atopic dermatitis leads to epidermal barrier dysfunction and bacteria colonization. The relationship of the last factor with the severity of the disease and the frequency of exacerbation is not fully known.OBJECTIVES:Verify the severity of the atopic dermatitis and the number of appointments generated by dermatosis, comparing patients colonized with patients not colonized by S. aureus. Verify the frequency of colonization by methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquired in the community.METHODS:Cohort study with a 12 months follow-up, in a sample of patients from Porto Alegre, RS public network. Cultures in active injuries and nasal cavities were carried out as well as methicillin sensitivity tests to S. aureus.The severity of atopic dermatitis was defined by Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI).RESULTS:We included 93 patients, 43% female and 56% male, 26 colonized by S. aureusin the nasal orifices, 56 in the skin damage. The mean of initial Eczema Area and Severity Index was 5.5 and final 3.9. The initial Eczema Area and Severity Index of patients colonized by S. aureusin the skin and nasal cavity was larger than the number of patients without colonization(p< 0.05). During the period of one year, in average, there were six appointments/patient. There was linear correlation between the number of appointments during one year and the inicial Eczema Area and Severity Index (r = 0,78). There were no patients with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquired in the community.CONCLUSION:There is a relevant influence of staphylococcal colonization on the severity of atopic dermatitis and the number of appointments required by its exacerbation. Methicillin resistance among those affected by S. aureusdoes not seem to be an emergent problem, in this Brazilian sample.
Prevalence of sun exposure and its associated factors in southern Brazil: a population-based study
Authors: Duquia Rodrigo Pereira , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , Almeida Jr Hiram Larangeira de , Reichert Felipe Fossati , Santos Iná da Silva dos , Haack Ricardo Lanzetta , Horta Bernardo Lessa
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND: Sunlight exposure is responsible for a large number of dermatological diseases.OBJECTIVE: We estimated the prevalence of sunlight exposure and its associated factors in adults from southern Brazil in a cross-sectional, population-based study.METHODS:We investigated a representative sample of individuals aged ≥ 20 years (n=3,136). Sunlight exposure and its associated factors were evaluated in two distinct situations: at leisure time and at work. The time period investigated ranged from December 2004 to March 2005, comprising 120 days of the highest ultraviolet index in the urban area of the city of Pelotas, in southern Brazil. The participants were asked about sunlight exposure for at least 20 minutes between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. The analysis was stratified by sex, and sunlight exposure was grouped into five categories.RESULTS:Among the 3,136 participants, prevalence of sunlight exposure at the beach was 32.8% (95% CI, 30.3 - 35.2) and 26.3% (95% CI, 24.2 28.3) among men and women, respectively. The prevalence at work was 39.8% (95% CI, 37.2 - 42.4) among men and 10.5% (95% CI, 9.1 - 12.0) among women. Age was inversely associated with sunlight exposure. Family income and achieved schooling were positively associated with sunlight exposure at leisure time and inversely associated with sunglight exposure at work. Self-reported skin color was not associated. Knowledge of any friend or relative who has been affected by skin cancer was positively associated with sunlight exposure among men at work.CONCLUSION:Despite the media campaigns on the harmful effects of excessive sunlight exposure, we found a high prevalence of sunlight exposure during a period of high ultraviolet index.
Sexually transmitted diseases in a specialized STD healthcare center: epidemiology and demographic profile from january 1999 to december 2009
Authors: Fagundes Luiz Jorge , Vieira Junior Elso Elias , Moysés Ana Carolina Marteline Cavalcante , Lima Fernão Dias de , Morais Fátima Regina Borges de , Vizinho Natalina Lima
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND: Sexually Transmitted Diseases are still considered a serious public health problem in Brazil and worldwide.OBJECTIVE: To examine Sexually Transmitted Diseases prevalence and the sickness impact profile of STDs in a reference health center specializing in the treatment of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.METHOD: We collected epidemiological, demographic, clinical and laboratory data from the medical records and interviews of 4,128 patients who had attended the center from January 1999 to December 2009.RESULTS: Male patients outnumbered (76%) females (24%), Caucasians outnumbered (74.3%) those of mixed race (14.8%), blacks (10.8%) and Asians (0.1%). STD occurrence was higher in the 20-29 age group (46.2%) This population included 34.7% high school graduates, 8.7% college graduates and 0.8% illiterates. As for affective-sexual orientation, 86.5% were heterosexual, 7.8% homosexual and 5.5% bisexual. Regarding patients' sexual practices over the previous 30 days, 67.7% reported sexual intercourse with one person, 8.6% had had sex with two persons and 3.9%, with three or more people. The highest incidence of STD was condyloma acuminata, affecting 29.4% of all the patients, genital candidiasis 14.2%, and genital herpes 10.6%. Of the 44.3% who submitted to serologic testing for HIV detection 5% were positive, with a ratio of 6.8 males to 1 female.CONCLUSIONS:STD prevalence remains high in Brazil and it is necessary to invest in early detection, prevention and treatment.
Case for diagnosis
Authors: Lavorato Fernanda Guedes , Azulay-Abulafia Luna , Ramos Vanessa , Obadia Daniel Lago , Rocha Diego Santos , Souza Vivian Fichman Monteiro de
Published: October 2013

Linear Darier is a rare variant of Darier's Disease. The keratotic papules follow Blaschko's lines, characterizing the cutaneous mosaicism. We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who presented with small, linearly distributed, reddish-brown papules on the left mammary region, from the left flank to the hypogastrium and on the pretibial area of the left leg. Histologically, suprabasal acantholysis and dyskeratotic cells were seen, confirming the diagnosis.
Can Occlusal Evaluation of Children with Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Help Determine Future Maxillofacial Morphology?
Authors: Suzuki Akira , Sasaguri Masaaki , Hiura Kenji , Yasunaga Atsushi , Mitsuyasu Takeshi , Kubota Yasutaka , Ninomiya Tomohiro , Takenoshita Yasuharu
Published: October 2013

Objective

To investigate the change in occlusal evaluations from the 5-year-olds' index to the Goslon Yardstick and to compare the relationship between the evaluations and maxillofacial growth in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP).

Design

A prospective longitudinal study.

Subjects

The sample consisted of 85 patients with complete UCLP who underwent surgery from 1969 to 1994 and were treated at the Kyushu University Hospital in Fukuoka, Japan. Subjects had two serial dental casts performed at the ages of 5 and 10 years. Furthermore, each patient had lateral cephalographs taken at the age of 5 years, 76 of 85 subjects had films taken at the age of 10 years, and 54 subjects also had lateral cephalograms taken after the age of 15 years.

Methods

Every dental cast was evaluated by the 5-year-olds' index and the Goslon Yardstick, respectively. The lateral cephalographs were traced and digitized, and angular dimensions were calculated. Outcomes were compared using Spearman's rank-order correlation analysis and the Kruskal-Wallis analysis.

Results and Conclusion

Dental arch relationships were evaluated and rated as 2.96 in the 5-year-olds' index and 2.85 in the Goslon Yardstick, respectively. Both groupings showed a significant relationship, and they showed no change in 36 out of 85 subjects (42.3%), significant improvement in 30 (35.3%), and deterioration in 19 (22.3%). Two occlusal groupings and maxillofacial morphology on the cephalographs indicated that the grouping reflected the anteroposterior position of the mandible. Moreover, both groupings showed some relation to previous maxillofacial growth, but they did not show any relationship with future growth. The Goslon Yardstick may not predict maxillofacial morphology in adulthood.
Cytocompatibility assessment of MgZnCa alloys
Authors: Smith Christopher E. , Xu Zhigang , Waterman Jenora , Sankar Jagannathan
Published: October 2013

The global orthopedic device market is expected to grow by 9% annually, which will equate to US$50 billion by 2015, necessitating innovation in medical devices that improve the quality of life. The first step in the creation of a foundation of knowledge and technology to improve these implant devices is through the creation of new materials with the capabilities of biodegradation and bioabsorption without a toxicity effect that will pass through Food and Drug Administration regulatory procedures. Magnesium and its alloys have gained attention as biomedical implant materials based on biocompatibility and biodegradability. The objective of this study is to investigate the cytocompatibility effects of adding zinc to a magnesium–calcium system through in-direct cell culture assays utilizing MC3T3-E1 preosteoblast mouse cells. Cell culture assays indicate that there is a level of cytotoxicity that develops from adding zinc to a magnesium–calcium system, but descriptive evidence suggests that solution heat treatment may reduce these cytotoxic effects.
Enabling sustainable construction in UK public procurement
Authors: Sourani Amr , Sohail Muhammad
Published: October 2013

Sustainable construction is about achieving a balance between the social, economic and environmental aspects of construction so that the costs and the benefits, evaluated along these three dimensions, are optimised. Whereas official reports published in the UK have reflected the increasing emphasis on addressing sustainability principles in procurement, the literature suggests that there has been relatively little research on sustainable procurement in the public sector. The aim of this paper is to provide an agreed, comprehensive and evidence-based research into the factors that enable UK public clients to better address sustainable construction in developing procurement strategies. Seeking triangulation, the investigation was conducted using a Delphi exercise and semi-structured interviews/discussions which involved sustainability professionals and experts. As a result, 41 factors considered to be important for UK public clients to better address sustainable construction in developing procurement strategies were identified. These were categorised into knowledge and perception factors, organisational and management factors, political and regulative factors, logistical factors, contractual factors, instrumental factors, strategic factors and financial factors.
Multi‐scaled drivers of ecosystem state: quantifying the importance of the regional spatial scale
Authors: Cheruvelil K. S. , Soranno P. A. , Webster K. E. , Bremigan M. T.
Published: October 2013

The regional spatial scale is a vital linkage for the informed extrapolation of results from local to continental scales to address broad‐scale environmental problems. Among‐region variation in ecosystem state is commonly accounted for by using a regionalization framework, such as an ecoregion classification. Rarely have alternative regionalization frameworks been tested for variables measuring ecosystem state, nor have the underlying relationships with the variables that are used to define them been assessed. In this study, we asked two questions: (1) How much among‐region variation is there for ecosystems and does it differ by regionalization framework? (2) What are the likely causes of this among‐region variation? We present a case study using a large data set of lake water chemistry, uni‐ and multi‐scaled hydrogeomorphic and anthropogenic driver variables that likely influence lake chemistry at the subcontinental scale, and seven existing regionalization frameworks. We used multilevel models to quantify and explain within‐ and among‐region variation in lake water chemistry. Our models account for local driver variables of ecosystem variation within regions, differences in regional mean ecosystem state (i.e., random intercepts in multilevel models), and differences in relationships between local drivers and ecosystem state by region (i.e., random slopes in multilevel models). Using one of the best performing regionalization frameworks (Ecological Drainage Units), we found that for lake phosphorus and alkalinity: (1) a majority of all the variation in water chemistry among the studied lakes occurred among regions, (2) very few regional‐scale landscape driver variables were required to explain among‐region variation in lake water chemistry, (3) a much higher proportion of the total variation among lakes was explained at the regional scale than at the local scale, and (4) some relationships between local‐scale driver variables and lake water chemistry varied by region. Our results demonstrate the importance of considering the regional spatial scale for broad‐scale research and ecosystem management and conservation. Our quantitative approach can be easily applied to other response variables, ecosystem types, geographic areas, and spatial extents to inform ecosystem responses to global environmental stressors.
Resource competition across habitat boundaries: asymmetric interactions between benthic and pelagic producers
Authors: Jäger Christoph G. , Diehl Sebastian
Published: October 2013

In shallow aquatic systems, benthic and pelagic primary producers typically compete for light and nutrients along opposing vertical supply axes: pelagic algae shade the benthic habitat; conversely, benthic algae intercept the nutrient flux from the sediment to the pelagic habitat. We present a general framework for analyzing such spatially asymmetric resource competition across habitat boundaries using a mechanistic, dynamical model. We visualize the mechanisms determining the outcome of these cross‐habitat interactions using zero‐net‐growth isoclines, resource supply points, and resource consumption vectors. In extensive invasion analyses, we characterize the abiotic and competitive persistence boundaries of pelagic and benthic primary producers, which are set by environmental factors determining nutrient and light supply and are modified by resource use by the competitor in the respective other habitat.

We note several qualitative differences between cross‐habitat and “classical” within‐habitat resource competition. First, coexistence of cross‐habitat competitors is facilitated by, but does not require niche differentiation with respect to, the utilization of resources. Because each species has a competitive edge for the resource that is supplied from “its” side of the system, a competitor that is inferior in utilizing both resources can sometimes coexist with, or even exclude, a superior competitor. Second, increasing the external supply of one resource (the nutrient) may initially favor both competitors, until a breakpoint is reached where the benthic producer goes abruptly extinct. Finally, whether a given pair of cross‐habitat competitors coexist or shows alternative states may depend on the environment. Specifically, benthic and pelagic algae may coexist at low nutrient and light supply but produce alternative states at high nutrient and light supply. Alternative states are, in turn, promoted by any algal trait combination that increases the spatial asymmetry in resource consumption, i.e., leads to a higher nutrient consumption in the benthic habitat and/or a higher light consumption in the pelagic habitat.

In a first empirical application, we show that predictions from our model give a good fit to published data on benthic and pelagic primary production in temperate and arctic lakes spanning a broad range of nutrient environments.
Near‐Surface Soil Water Content Measurements Using Horn Antenna Radar: Methodology and Overview
Authors: Serbin Guy , Or Dani
Published: October 2013

Ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) with a suspended 1‐GHz horn antenna was deployed over bare and vegetated soil surfaces using surface reflection (SR) magnitudes and propagation times (PT) to calculate bulk soil dielectric permittivity and soil water contents. Concurrent radar measurements over sand, Millville silt loam (coarse‐silty, carbonatic, mesic Typic Haploxerolls), and sand–bentonite surfaces showed rapid drainage from sand and slower drainage from higher‐surface‐area textured soils. Soil texture and temperature affected diurnal variations in measured water content (occurrence of minima and maxima) for both SR and 2‐cm time‐domain reflectometry (TDR) water content data. Measurements over wheat canopy showed that while SR values were strongly altered by canopy biomass, PT measurements remained unaffected. Wheat canopy influence on SR gradually intensified during the growth season until the canopy was removed and SR‐based measurements rejoined with PT data. Hornantenna radar measurements over natural surfaces offer a promise for remote mapping of soil texture and truthing of radar data collected from air‐ and spaceborne platforms, and they may be used in the field for water content and vegetation biomass measurements.
Monitoring the Maximum Depth of Drainage in Response to Pumping Using Borehole Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Ferré T. P. A. , von Glinski G. , Ferré L. A.
Published: October 2013

There are many methods available for nondestructive measurement of volumetric water content. However, no current method can monitor rapidly to great depths with high spatial resolution over large sample volumes and with minimal need for medium‐specific calibration. Borehole ground penetrating radar (BPGR) may provide this capability. It is well established that BGPR can make rapid measurements to great depth. Like time domain reflectometry (TDR), BGPR infers the water content from dielectric permittivity measurements, which show a robust correlation with volumetric water content. The goal of this investigation was to determine whether BGPR water content measurements made with a vertical sampling interval that is smaller than the antenna length could be used to measure the water content profile with high spatial resolution. Repeat water content profiles measured with BGPR during a pumping test and under static conditions 1 yr later are presented. The results show that BGPR measurements are highly repeatable, allowing for differencing of profiles to determine the water content change profile. However, this high repeatability required calibration over a depth range below the water table due to instrument drift and operator inconsistencies. Although critical refractions obscure the water content profile near the ground surface, there is no evidence that refracted waves have deleterious effects on travel time profiles collected across the water table, allowing for determination of the maximum depth of drainage from the water content change profiles. There is good agreement between the patterns of maximum depth of drainage and water table depth during pumping and recovery. However, the maximum depth of drainage, referenced to the middle of the BGPR antennae, is consistently 50 cm deeper than the water table. The results demonstrate that the primary limitation on the achievable resolution of water content monitoring with BGPR is the user‐selected measurement sample interval, which can be much smaller than the antenna length. However, the cause of the near constant downward offset of the BGPR measurements compared with the water table depth must be studied further to allow for direct use of BGPR to track water movement during pumping and recovery.