bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion of multipotent and lymphoid-committed human progenitors through intracellular dimerization of Mpl
Authors: Abdel-Azim Hisham , Zhu Yuhua , Hollis Roger , Wang Xiuli , Ge Shundi , Hao Qian-Lin , Smbatyan Goar , Kohn Donald B. , Rosol Michael , Crooks Gay M.
Published: January 2008

Self-renewal capacity is rapidly lost during differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells to lineage-committed progenitors. We demonstrate here that regulated intracellular signaling through the cytokine receptor Mpl induces profound expansion of not only multipotent (ie, lymphomyeloid) but also lymphoid-committed human hematopoietic progenitors. A fusion protein containing the intracellular signaling domain of Mpl and a dimerization domain was constitutively expressed in populations enriched in human lymphomyeloid progenitor/stem cells (CD34+CD38−Lin−CD7−) and multilymphoid progenitors (CD34+CD38−Lin−CD7+). Intracellular dimerization of Mpl in target cells was induced by in vitro or in vivo administration of a diffusible synthetic ligand. In vitro, Mpl dimerization produced divisions of clonogenic, multilineage CD34+ cells able to engraft immunodeficient mice. When dimerization was induced in vivo after transplantation of either lymphomyeloid or multilymphoid progenitors, donor-derived hematopoiesis was sustained for at least 12 weeks and primitive CD34+Lin− progenitors were expanded more than 1000-fold. Lineage potential of progenitors was not altered and differentiation was not prevented by synthetically induced Mpl signaling. These data demonstrate that dimerization of a single cytokine receptor can deliver a profound expansion signal in both uncommitted and lymphoid-committed human hematopoietic progenitors.
Bortezomib inhibits tumor adaptation to hypoxia by stimulating the FIH-mediated repression of hypoxia-inducible factor-1
Authors: Shin Dong Hoon , Chun Yang-Sook , Lee Dong Soon , Huang L. Eric , Park Jong-Wan
Published: January 2008

Bortezomib (PS-341), a proteasome inhibitor, has been examined clinically for the treatment of multiple myeloma and several solid tumors. Bortezomib directly induces tumor cell death and has also been reported to inhibit tumor adaptation to hypoxia by functionally inhibiting hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). However, the mechanism underlying HIF-1 inhibition by bortezomib remains obscure. In the present study, we demonstrated that bortezomib attenuated the hypoxic induction of erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor at subnanomolar concentrations in multiple myeloma and liver cancer cell lines, regardless of cytotoxic concentrations of bortezomib. Bortezomib repressed HIF-1α activity by inhibiting the recruitment of p300 coactivator. Specifically, bortezomib targeted HIF-1α C-terminal transactivation domain (CAD) but not the CAD lacking Asn803, which is a hydroxylation site by the factor inhibiting HIF-1 (FIH). Accordingly, this effect of bortezomib on CAD was augmented by FIH expression and abolished by FIH knock-down. Furthermore, bortezomib stimulated the interaction between CAD and FIH under hypoxic conditions, and FIH inhibition reversed the suppressions of erythropoietin and vascular endothelial growth factor by bortezomib. We propose that the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effects of bortezomib on tumor angiogenesis and hypoxic adaptation involves the repression of HIF-1α transcriptional activity by reinforcing the FIH-mediated inhibition of p300 recruitment.
Systematic analysis of transcribed loci in ENCODE regions using RACE sequencing reveals extensive transcription in the human genome
Authors: Wu Jia Qian , Du Jiang , Rozowsky Joel , Zhang Zhengdong , Urban Alexander E , Euskirchen Ghia , Weissman Sherman , Gerstein Mark , Snyder Michael
Published: January 2008

Background

Recent studies of the mammalian transcriptome have revealed a large number of additional transcribed regions and extraordinary complexity in transcript diversity. However, there is still much uncertainty regarding precisely what portion of the genome is transcribed, the exact structures of these novel transcripts, and the levels of the transcripts produced.

Results

We have interrogated the transcribed loci in 420 selected ENCyclopedia Of DNA Elements (ENCODE) regions using rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) sequencing. We analyzed annotated known gene regions, but primarily we focused on novel transcriptionally active regions (TARs), which were previously identified by high-density oligonucleotide tiling arrays and on random regions that were not believed to be transcribed. We found RACE sequencing to be very sensitive and were able to detect low levels of transcripts in specific cell types that were not detectable by microarrays. We also observed many instances of sense-antisense transcripts; further analysis suggests that many of the antisense transcripts (but not all) may be artifacts generated from the reverse transcription reaction. Our results show that the majority of the novel TARs analyzed (60%) are connected to other novel TARs or known exons. Of previously unannotated random regions, 17% were shown to produce overlapping transcripts. Furthermore, it is estimated that 9% of the novel transcripts encode proteins.

Conclusion

We conclude that RACE sequencing is an efficient, sensitive, and highly accurate method for characterization of the transcriptome of specific cell/tissue types. Using this method, it appears that much of the genome is represented in polyA+ RNA. Moreover, a fraction of the novel RNAs can encode protein and are likely to be functional.
CXCL4-induced migration of activated T lymphocytes is mediated by the chemokine receptor CXCR3
Authors: Mueller Anja , Meiser Andrea , McDonagh Ellen M , Fox James M , Petit Sarah J , Xanthou Georgina , Williams Timothy J , Pease James E
Published: January 2008

The chemokine CXCL4/platelet factor-4 is released by activated platelets in micromolar concentrations and is a chemoattractant for leukocytes via an unidentified receptor. Recently, a variant of the human chemokine receptor CXCR3 (CXCR3-B) was described, which transduced apoptotic but not chemotactic signals in microvascular endothelial cells following exposure to high concentrations of CXCL4. Here, we show that CXCL4 can induce intracellular calcium release and the migration of activated human T lymphocytes. CXCL4-induced chemotaxis of T lymphocytes was inhibited by a CXCR3 antagonist and pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), suggestive of CXCR3-mediated G-protein signaling via Gαi-sensitive subunits. Specific binding by T lymphocytes of the CXCR3 ligand CXCL10 was not effectively competed by CXCL4, suggesting that the two are allotopic ligands. We subsequently used expression systems to dissect the potential roles of each CXCR3 isoform in mediating CXCL4 function. Transient expression of the CXCR3-A and CXCR3-B isoforms in the murine pre-B cell L1.2 produced cells that migrated in response to CXCL4 in a manner sensitive to PTX and a CXCR3 antagonist. Binding of radiolabeled CXCL4 to L1.2 CXCR3 transfectants was of low affinity and appeared to be mediated chiefly by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), as no specific CXCL4 binding was observed in GAG-deficient 745-Chinese hamster ovary cells stably expressing CXCR3. We suggest that following platelet activation, the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may play a role in T lymphocyte recruitment and the subsequent amplification of inflammation observed in diseases such as atherosclerosis. In such a setting, antagonism of the CXCR3/CXCL4 axis may represent a useful, therapeutic intervention.
Modulation of Dickkopf-1 Attenuates Glucocorticoid Induction of Osteoblast Apoptosis, Adipocytic Differentiation, and Bone Mass Loss
Authors: Wang Feng-Sheng , Ko Jih-Yang , Yeh Da-Wei , Ke Huei-Ching , Wu Hsing-Long
Published: January 2008

Long-term glucocorticoid treatment impairs the survival and bone formation of osteogenic cells, leading to bone mass loss. The Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) acts as a potent bone-remodeling factor that mediates several types of skeletal disorders. Whereas excess glucocorticoid is known to disturb Wnt signaling in osteogenic cells, modulation of the skeletally deleterious effects of DKK1 to alleviate glucocorticoid induction of bone loss has not been tested. In this study, knockdown of DKK1 expression by end-capped phosphorothioate DKK1 antisense oligonucleotide (DKK1-AS) abrogated dexamethasone suppression of alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin expression in MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts. Exogenous DKK1-AS treatment alleviated dexamethasone suppression of mineral density, trabecular bone volume, osteoblast surface, and bone formation rate in bone tissue and ex vivo osteogenesis of primary bone-marrow mesenchymal cells. The DKK1-AS inhibited adipocyte volume in the marrow cavity of steroid-treated bone tissue. Immunohistochemical observation revealed that DKK1-AS abrogated dexamethasone-induced DKK1 expression and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labeling of osteoblasts adjacent to trabecular bone. Knocking down DKK1 abrogated dexamethasone-modulated expression of nuclear β-catenin and phosphorylated Ser473-Akt and survival of osteoblasts and adipocytic differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cell cultures. Taken together, knocking down DKK1 alleviated the deleterious effect of glucocorticoid on bone microstructure. The DKK1-AS treatment appeared to protect bone tissue by modulating β-catenin and Akt-mediated survival as well as the osteogenic and adipogenic activities of glucocorticoid-stressed osteoprogenitor cells. Interference with the osteogenesis-inhibitory action of DKK1 has therapeutic potential for preventing glucocorticoid induction of osteopenia.
Tumor Necrosis Factor-Like Weak Inducer of Apoptosis Attenuates the Action of Insulin in Hepatocytes
Authors: Feng Feng , Wang Lijun , Albanese Nathaniel , Holmes Andrew , Xia Pu
Published: January 2008

TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a relatively new member of the TNF superfamily, is an important immune/inflammatory regulator that has different functional properties from that of other members of this superfamily. We report herein that TWEAK induces cellular insulin resistance in both human hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh7 and HepG2) and primary rat hepatocytes by inhibiting both early insulin receptor (IR) signaling events and the downstream actions of insulin. TWEAK profoundly inhibited insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation in both a concentration- and time-dependent manner. This inhibitory effect occurred via mechanisms that involved the TWEAK receptor Fn14 and the activation of the canonical and noncanonical nuclear factor-κB signaling pathways. Furthermore, TWEAK significantly inhibited IRβ autophosphorylation and IR substrate-1 activation, with concomitant increases in serine phosphorylation of IR substrate-1. Moreover, insulin-induced reduction of gluconeogenic enzyme gene expression and increases in glycogen synthesis in hepatocytes were significantly attenuated by TWEAK treatment. Therefore, these findings not only reveal a novel pathophysiological function of TWEAK/Fn14 but also uncover a new player that may contribute to the development of cellular insulin resistance in hepatocytes.
Complete Spermatogenesis in Orthotopic But Not in Ectopic Transplants of Autologously Grafted Marmoset Testicular Tissue
Authors: Marc Luetjens C. , Stukenborg Jan-Bernd , Nieschlag Eberhard , Simoni Manuela , Wistuba Joachim
Published: January 2008

Testicular grafting has the potential to become a method to preserve fertility in prepubertal boys undergoing cancer treatment. The possibility of successful germ cell maturation after autologous grafting should be proven preclinically in a nonhuman primate model. Therefore, in two experiments, we analyzed the potential of autologous testicular grafting in the marmoset model. A first experiment in immature and adult hemi-castrated monkeys addressed the question of whether full spermatogenesis in an ectopic graft could be achieved under a relatively normal endocrine milieu and whether the donor’s age is of influence. A second experiment in castrated immature animals examined whether the transplantation site [ectopic (back skin) or orthotopic (scrotum)] influences spermatogenic progress and whether cryopreserved tissue can be successfully transplanted. Grafts were analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and morphometry. Bioactive chorionic gonadotropin and serum testosterone were measured. In the adults, ectopic grafts degenerated, whereas in the immature animals, grafts survived at the spermatogonial level. In the castrates, none of the cryopreserved grafts survived, ectopic grafts were meiotically arrested, but orthotopic transplants completed spermatogenesis. Androgen and bioactive chorionic gonadotropin levels were not decisive for graft development. When ectopic and orthotopic transplantation sites were compared, the scrotum has a substantially lower temperature. Thus, the higher temperature at the ectopic transplantation site may contribute to spermatogenic arrest. Autologous grafting of nonhuman primate testicular tissues can result in complete spermatogenesis. Our findings indicate that transplantation site and developmental age of the tissue play a role more important than the endocrine milieu.
Systemic Immune Challenge Activates an Intrinsically Regulated Local Inflammatory Circuit in the Adrenal Gland
Authors: Engström Linda , Rosén Khadijah , Angel Anna , Fyrberg Anna , Mackerlova Ludmila , Konsman Jan Pieter , Engblom David , Blomqvist Anders
Published: January 2008

There is evidence from in vitro studies that inflammatory messengers influence the release of stress hormone via direct effects on the adrenal gland; however, the mechanisms underlying these effects in the intact organism are unknown. Here we demonstrate that systemic inflammation in rats elicited by iv injection of lipopolysaccharide results in dynamic changes in the adrenal immune cell population, implying a rapid depletion of dendritic cells in the inner cortical layer and the recruitment of immature cells to the outer layers. These changes are accompanied by an induced production of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor type 1 as well as cyclooxygenase-2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 in these cells, implying local cytokine-mediated prostaglandin E2 production in the adrenals, which also displayed prostaglandin E2 receptors of subtypes 1 and 3 in the cortex and medulla. The IL-1β expression was also induced by systemically administrated IL-1β and was in both cases attenuated by IL-1 receptor antagonist, consistent with an autocrine signaling loop. IL-1β similarly induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2, but the cyclooxygenase-2 expression was, in contrast, further enhanced by IL-1 receptor antagonist. These data demonstrate a mechanism by which systemic inflammatory agents activate an intrinsically regulated local signaling circuit that may influence the adrenals’ response to immune stress and may help explain the dissociation between plasma levels of ACTH and corticosteroids during chronic immune perturbations.
Loss of mir-146a function in hormone-refractory prostate cancer
Authors: Lin Shi-Lung , Chiang Angela , Chang Donald , Ying Shao-Yao
Published: January 2008

The pattern of microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with the degree of tumor cell differentiation in human prostate cancer. MiRNAs bind complementarily to either oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes, which are consequently silenced, resulting in alterations of tumorigenecity. We have detected eight down-regulated and three up-regulated known miRNAs in androgen-independent human prostate cancer cells compared to those in androgen-dependent cells, using miRNA microarray analyses. These identified miRNAs showed the same expression patterns in hormone-refractory prostate carcinomas (HRPC) compared to androgen-sensitive noncancerous prostate epithelium as determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization assays in human prostate cancer tissue arrays. One of the eight down-regulated miRNAs, mir-146a, was selected and constitutively expressed to examine its effects on suppression of prostate cancer transformation from androgen-dependent to -independent cells as determined by in vitro tumorigenecity assays. Transfection of mir-146a, which perpetually express the miRNA, suppressed >82% of the expression of the targeted protein-coding gene, ROCK1, in androgen-independent PC3 cells, consequently markedly reducing cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis to human bone marrow endothelial cell monolayers. Given that ROCK1 is one of the key kinases for the activation of hyaluronan (HA)-mediated HRPC transformation in vivo and in PC3 cells, mir-146a may function as a tumor-suppressor gene in modulating HA/ROCK1-mediated tumorigenecity in androgen-dependent prostate cancer.
Attenuation of Neutron Radiation Damage Through a Simulated RPV Wall
Authors: Server William , Spanner Jack , Rosinski Stan , Brumovsky Milan , Kytka Milos
Published: January 2008

An experiment has been conducted in which a 180-mm thick reactor pressure vessel (RPV) wall has been simulated using eighteen 10-mm slices and irradiated under test reactor conditions to investigate the through wall attenuation of neutron embrittlement. Attenuation of neutron radiation damage through the wall of an RPV is a process that involves a changing neutron flux spectrum. The effect of the changing spectrum has not been fully studied to define the change in fracture toughness properties through the RPV wall. One low copper content base metal and one high copper content Linde 80 weld metal have been irradiated in various positions through the simulated wall to allow quantification of an improved experimentally-based embrittlement attenuation model. Comparisons are made of predicted attenuation changes in toughness properties with measured fracture toughness and Charpy V-notch results for the high copper content weld metal and the low copper content plate. The predictions of through-wall attenuation follow the practice defined in ASTM E 900-02, in which the attenuation of high energy neutron fluence (E>1 MeV) is projected based upon displacements per atom (dpa) change through the wall thickness. The resultant degree of material damage (Charpy V-notch 41 J transition temperature, T41J) using this dpa-based fluence change is estimated also using the ASTM E 900-02 embrittlement model. The irradiation-induced shift in T41J (ΔT41J) is typically assumed to infer the shift in fracture toughness transition temperature to be used for structural integrity assessments for the reactor pressure vessel. This assumption will be checked by measuring Master Curve fracture toughness properties for the high copper content weld metal and the low copper content plate.
Lineared Inverse Scattering Methods in Elasticity for Shape Reconstruction of Defects
Authors: Gangfeng Zheng , Bin Wu , Cunfu He
Published: January 2008

Two linearized methods for the ultrasonic inversion are formulated for the shape reconstruction of defects in an elastic material. The methods are based on the elastodynamic inverse Born and Kirchhoff approximations. From the numerical analysis for two kinds of defects, it is verified that the Born inversion works well for volumetric defects and the Kirchhoff inversion for surface defects. Combination of two inversion methods leads to the separation of surface in a part from the volumetric part of the defect.
Field Performance Monitoring of Repair Treatments on Joint Concrete Pavements
Authors: Chen Dar Hao , Won Moon
Published: January 2008

This paper presents the performance of three rehabilitation methods on six highways to restore the condition of concrete pavement: (1) polyurethane foam injection (PFI), (2) dowel bar retrofit (DBR), and (3) full depth repair (FDR). PFI was able to raise the slabs to the target levels; however, it was not able to maintain the slabs at the target levels and thus prevent slabs from further settlement. In addition, new cracks have been observed in some slabs and it was believed that PFI might have created uneven supports that allowed the truck traffic to shatter the slabs. Long-term benefits of DBR were demonstrated on a project with 10 years of traffic, where asphalt overlay was placed. Only minimum reflective cracks were observed on the DBR sections as compared to severe reflective cracks on sections without DBR. In another project, DBR effectively restored the ride quality that reduced the International Roughness Index (IRI) from 2.83 m/km to 1.26 m/km. The poor ride of this pavement section before DBR was due mainly to severe faulting. This illustrates that dowel bars provided excellent load transfer at transverse contraction joints, which minimized the potential for faulting. FDR has been used to repair localized pavement distresses. However, subsidence of slabs and cracks reappeared on the slabs that received FDR, due partly to the inadequate base support. Currently, there are no objective test methods and criteria for base preparation in the FDR specifications. To improve the effectiveness of FDR, current FDR specifications need to be revised.
Early Development of the Sacramento Perch
Authors: León Abimael , Miller Chris E , Teh Swee J
Published: January 2008

Populations of the Sacramento perch Archoplites interruptus, California's only native centrarchid, are declining and early development of this imperiled species is poorly known. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to describe the early development of Sacramento perch from fertilization to initiation of exogenous feeding. Embryos were obtained in the laboratory by spawning induction via photoperiod-temperature control or gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog treatment. Gross morphology and histological analyses were integrated to describe the early development. Cleavage was synchronous until the 64-cell stage, which allowed us to calculate the duration of one mitotic cycle during early synchronous cleavage (τ0) as 10–16 min at 25.4–25.6°C. A description of histological events from time to morulation, gastrulation, hatch, and exogenous feeding larvae is provided. Yolk sac larvae tended to adhere to the spawning substrate or sediment during the critical organogenesis stages. Larvae swam up and began exogenous feeding within 4 d postfertilization. Primordial germ cells were observed in 10-d-old larvae, but sex differentiation occurred after 43 d. External sexual dimorphism was not observed in early life stages.
Effect of the Dietary Ratio of Digestible Energy to Crude Protein on Growth and Feed Conversion in Juvenile Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei under Similar Levels of Daily Protein Consumption
Authors: Venero Jesus A , Davis D Allen , Rouse David B
Published: January 2008

We evaluated the effect of the dietary ratio of digestible energy (DE) : Crude protein (CP) on growth performance and nutrient utilization in juvenile Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei fed various diets with a constant daily protein input. Juveniles (weight = 0.94 ± 0.04 g [mean ± SE]; n = 30) were stocked in an indoor recirculating-water system (173-L polyethylene tanks; 20 shrimp/tank) and were assigned to four different treatments. Two treatments consisted of 30% and 40% CP diets (30 isoenergetic [ISO]-100% and 40 ISO-75%, respectively) with a constant level of DE (3.28 kcal/g). Two treatments consisted of 30% and 40% CP diets with variable levels of DE (2.70 and 3.6 kcal/g, respectively) that maintained a constant DE : CP ratio of 9 kcal/g of protein (30 ratio [RAT]-100% and 40 RAT-75%, respectively). At the end of the 49-d trial, final weight and weight gain did not differ among the treatments. However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower (P < 0.01) for the 40 RAT-75% and 40 ISO-75% groups than for the 30 ISO-100% and 30 RAT-100% groups. Final body composition (dry matter, CP, and gross energy) and protein conversion efficiency were not significantly different among the four treatments. However, energy conversion efficiency was significantly higher for the 40 ISO-75% group than for the 30 ISO-100% group. This study demonstrates that when the level of energy is appropriate, increasing dietary protein content allows for reduced feed inputs without affecting shrimp growth performance, while actually improving FCR and water quality due to presumably lower wastage of feed.
Avaliação ecodopplercardiográfica da função diastólica em cães da raça Boxer
Authors: Cavalcanti G.A.O. , Muzzi R.A.L. , Araújo R.B. , Cherem M.
Published: January 2008

Foram avaliados os principais índices diastólicos, inclusive a velocidade de propagação mitral (Vp), em 36 cães sadios da raça Boxer, 18 de cada sexo, de idade entre um ano e meio e seis anos. A relação raiz aórtica e átrio esquerdo medida no modo B foi de 1,17±0,11. Os picos de velocidades das ondas de enchimento atrial esquerdo foram: sistólica 31,41±6,87cm/s, diastólica (D) 73,85±17,04cm/s e de reversão atrial 28,90±8,33cm/s. A relação das ondas de enchimento ventricular inicial (E) e atrial (A) foi 1,58±0,19 na valva mitral e de 1,62±0,29 na valva tricúspide. Entre os índices avaliados, a Vp só se correlacionou fracamente (r=0,39) com as ondas E e A mitrais e com a onda D, mostrando-se um índice, relativamente, independente. A Vp não apresentou diferença significativa entre os sexos nem entre examinadores. A Vp diminuiu com o aumento da idade e exibiu valor médio, neste estudo, de 99,73±16,06cm/s.
Comparação entre a colopexia laparoscópica com pericárdio bovino conservado em glicerina em cães com a técnica incisional por celiotomia
Authors: Brun M.V. , Guimarães L.D. , Barcellos H.H.A. , Pereira R.A. , Guizzo Júnior N.
Published: January 2008

Procurou-se verificar a viabilidade da colopexia laparoscópica com o emprego de pericárdio bovino conservado em glicerina e testar seus resultados em relação ao procedimento incisional por celiotomia em 20 cães, separados em dois grupos com igual número de animais. A técnica laparoscópica envolveu a realização de duas incisões paralelas no músculo transverso abdominal, sob o qual foi posicionado um retalho da membrana conservada, que envolveu completamente o cólon descendente. Com a aplicação de dois clipes que uniram as bordas do pericárdio e com a sua fixação às camadas serosa e muscular do cólon, promoveu-se a aproximação do órgão à parede abdominal. Vinte e oito dias após, por ocasião do exame laparoscópico, verificou-se que todos os pacientes do grupo da celiotomia mantiveram a aderência do cólon, situação que não foi observada nos animais submetidos à cirurgia laparoscópica. Conclui-se que a técnica proposta não possibilita colopexia permanente, sendo contra-indicada para cães.
Blefaroplastia em coelhos por meio de cartilagem auricular alógena conservada em solução saturada de NaCl
Authors: Baungarten L.B. , Freitas P.M.C. , Eurides D. , Salgado A.E.P. , Nunes L.C. , Beletti M.E.
Published: January 2008

Avaliou-se a reconstrução da pálpebra inferior de coelhos, com cartilagem auricular alógena, conservada em solução saturada de NaCl em 12 coelhos, adultos, de ambos os sexos. Os animais receberam acepromazina (0,5mg/kg/IM) e tiletamina e zolazepam (7,0mg/kg/IM), após o que removeu-se um fragmento de 1,0x0,5cm das pálpebras inferiores, esquerda e direita. A pálpebra esquerda foi reparada pela técnica de blefaroplastia em H (GC) e a direita por um retalho de cartilagem auricular associado a blefaroplastia em H (GE). Aos sete dias de pós-operatório (PO), as feridas cirúrgicas dos animais do GC apresentavam retração cutânea. Aos 15 dias de PO, observou-se que as feridas nos coelhos do GE estavam cicatrizadas, mas 30% das do GC apresentavam deiscência e retração cicatricial. Aos 30 dias de PO, as feridas nos animais do GE e GC apresentavam-se cicatrizadas, mas, 30% nos do GC não apresentavam as bordas das feridas coaptadas. O enxerto de cartilagem auricular diminuiu a retração cicatricial, possibilitando reparo anatômico à pálpebra.
Desempenho produtivo de bovinos de diferentes grupos raciais, castrados e não-castrados, em fase de terminação
Authors: Vittori A. , Gesualdi Júnior A. , Queiroz A.C. , Resende F.D. , Alleoni G.F. , Razook A.G. , Figueiredo L.A.
Published: January 2008

Utilizaram-se 86 bovinos, castrados e não-castrados, com peso médio de 329kg e 20 meses de idade, sendo 12 Gir, 20 Guzerá, 20 Nelore e 20 Caracu - todos selecionados para peso aos 378 dias de idade (P378) - e 14 Nelore controle-selecionados com base no diferencial de seleção nulo para P378. A dieta, usada na relação volumoso:concentrado de 60:40 na matéria seca (MS), continha 14,8% de proteína bruta na MS e silagem de milho. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (grupos genético e classe sexual). Os ganhos médios diários de 1,51kg para Nelore seleção e 1,53kg para Guzerá foram semelhantes e maiores que os dos demais grupos genéticos, os quais não diferiram entre si. Não houve diferenças de ganho entre animais castrados e não-castrados. O consumo de MS em kg/dia foi maior para Nelore, Guzerá e Caracu selecionados (10,30; 10,04 e 10,71kg/dia, respectivamente), e os valores para os demais foram semelhantes entre si. A eficiência bionutricional foi pior para a raça Caracu (2,13) e melhor para Nelore controle (1,58). Os animais Caracu precisaram de maior tempo em confinamento (133 dias) para atingir 4mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea, sendo os valores para as demais raças próximos entre si.
The significance of cortisol on acclimation to salinity in pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis
Authors: Tsuzuki M.Y. , Ogawa K. , Strüssmann C.A. , Maita M. , Takashima F. , Melo C.M.R.
Published: January 2008

The role of cortisol on the osmoregulation of pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis at different salinities was investigated in adult fish injected with 0.7mg hydrocortisone per 100g body weight of fish, and transferred to 0, 5 and 20ppt of NaCl. Blood cortisol was 566ng/ml at the beginning of the experiment (0h) but surged to 1250ng/ml within 3h in cortisol-injected fish. Cortisol levels were influenced not only by treatment but also by time, being higher at 3h compared to 24h. Salinity level, time of exposure and their interaction, but not cortisol treatment, significantly affected plasma osmolality and the concentration of ions Cl- and Na+. This study showed that exogenous cortisol does not seem to play a significant role on the regulation of plasma osmolality and concentration of individual ions in pejerrey.
Sociedade e conhecimento: novas tecnologias e desafios para a produção de conhecimento nas ciências sociais
Authors: Baumgarten Maíra , Teixeira Alex Niche , Lima Gilson
Published: January 2008

Este artigo debate algumas questões ligadas às relações entre sociedade e conhecimento, abordando as temáticas da sociedade da informação e da interdisciplinaridade (redes), associadas aos avanços nas tecnologias de informação e comunicação. A partir dessas relações são discutidos, especificamente, o desenvolvimento de metodologias informacionais e as possibilidades e desafios que daí emergem para a pesquisa e a produção de conhecimento nas Ciências Sociais e para a compreensão e o desenvolvimento de redes de informação e de saberes.
Immunohistochemical expression of vimentin, calponin and HHF-35 in salivary gland tumors
Authors: Cavalcante Roberta Barroso , Lopes Fernanda Ferreira , Ferreira Andréa Soares , Freitas Roseana de Almeida , Souza Lélia Batista de
Published: January 2008

Myoepithelial cells present a complex immunophenotype, with the expression of proteins varying according to the stage of normal or neoplastic differentiation of the cell. In order to evaluate the immunohistochemical markers expressed by these cells, a panel of antibodies composed of vimentin, calponin and HHF-35 was applied to 28 salivary gland tumors. The results demonstrated a higher percent sensitivity of vimentin and calponin compared to HHF-35. However, calponin and HHF-35 presented a focal labeling pattern in contrast with the diffuse distribution of vimentin. The cells predominantly stained by all tested antibodies included nonluminal cells in duct-like and tubular structures, such as those seen in pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas, as well as cells in the cords and nests of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinomas and peripheral cells of sheets and nests of myoepitheliomas. In conclusion, the combination of calponin and vimentin is suggested for the identification of myoepithelial cells in salivary gland tumors.
Transmission of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans between Brazilian women with severe chronic periodontitis and their children
Authors: Rêgo Rodrigo Otávio Citó César , Spolidorio Denise Madalena Palomari , Salvador Sérgio Luiz de Souza , Cirelli Joni Augusto
Published: January 2008

This study evaluated the transmission of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in women with severe chronic periodontitis and their children. Thirty women (mean age = 36.1±6.0 years) who were mothers of at least one child aged 7 to 16 years were enrolled. In order to investigate mother-child transmission of Aa, the children were also evaluated when their mothers were colonized by the bacterium. Subgingival plaque samples of each woman were collected from 3 sites (mean probing depth of 7.3±1.2 mm and mean clinical attachment level of 7.9±1.5 mm) and pooled in reduced transport fluid (RTF). These samples were processed, inoculated onto TSBV-agar selective medium and incubated at 37°C in microaerophilic atmosphere for 5 days. Aa was identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram staining, catalase and oxidase reactions. Aa was found in 8 out of 30 women. Therefore, 8 children from these women (mean age= 12 ± 3.7 years) were evaluated, but Aa was found only in 2 of them. Aa strains of the two mother-child pairs were evaluated by arbitrarily-primed polymerase chain reaction (AP-PCR), although it was not found similarity between the amplitypes of each pair. No Aa transmission was found between Brazilian women with severe chronic periodontitis and their children.
Effect of the use of die spacer on the marginal fit of copings cast in NiCr, NiCrBe and commercially pure titanium
Authors: Soriani Natércia Carreira , Leal Mônica Barbosa , Paulino Silvana Maria , Pagnano Valéria Oliveira , Bezzon Osvaldo Luiz
Published: January 2008

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of using die spacers on the marginal fit of NiCr (M1) and NiCrBe (M2) alloys and commercially pure titanium (cpTi) (M3) copings cast by the lost wax technique. Using a metal matrix, 45 resin added extra hard type IV stone models were obtained for the fabrication of wax patterns under the following conditions: no die spacer (A), with one die spacer layer (B) and with two die spacer layers (C), with five repetitions for each condition (alloy x die). Each die was waxed and the wax patterns were invested as per manufacturer's instructions. Three wax patterns were embedded in each casting ring, each corresponding to one of the conditions. Each coping, seated to the metal matrix by a seating pressure standardizing device (SPSD), was taken to an optical microscope for measurement of marginal discrepancy. The obtained data (µm) were analyzed statistically by ANOVA and Tukey' test (a=5%). There was statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the materials (M1=110.67; M2=130.33 and M3=148.33). Regarding the use of the die spacer, there was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the three conditions (A=162.00; B=131.06 and C=96.67). It was concluded that there is less marginal discrepancy with two die spacer layers.
Comparative study of ceramic-to-metal bonding
Authors: Scolaro Juliano Milczewsky , Pereira Jefferson Ricardo , Valle Accácio Lins do , Bonfante Gerson , Pegoraro Luiz Fernando
Published: January 2008

Dentists and technicians have used dental ceramics associated with different types of alloys without taking into account the characteristics of compatibility of these materials. Knowing the properties of the alloy and ceramic used in metal/ceramic restorations is a key factor for treatment success. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength of a palladium-silver alloy (Pors-on 4) to 3 ceramics (Ceramco, Noritake and Vita VMK-68) using shear forces at the metal-ceramic interface. A stainless steel cylindrical matrix was used for preparation of the metal dies, application of ceramic and shear strength testing. Thirty palladium-silver alloy cylinders received two layers of opaque and two layers of body porcelain, and shear tests were performed in a universal testing machine at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Shear bond strength means (in MPa) were: 28.21(Ceramco), 28.96 (Noritake) and 24.11 (Vita VMK-68). One-way ANOVA did not show statistically significant differences (p>0.05) among the materials. The results of this study indicate that the three evaluated ceramic systems are suitable to be used in combination with the tested palladium-silver alloy.
Biological restorations as a treatment option for primary molars with extensive coronal destruction: report of two cases
Authors: Sanches Karina , Carvalho Fabrício Kitazono de , Nelson-Filho Paulo , Assed Sada , Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia de Paula e , Queiroz Alexandra Mussolino de
Published: January 2008

This article reports the cases of two young children aged 4 and 5 years, in whom biological restorations using tooth fragments were placed in primary molars with severely damaged crowns due to extensive carious lesions. After radiographic and clinical evaluation, tooth fragments obtained from extracted teeth in stock were autoclaved, adjusted to the prepared cavity and bonded to the remaining tooth structure with either adhesive system (Case 1) or dual-cure resin-based cement (Case 2) over a calcium hydroxide layer and a glass ionomer cement base. Occlusal adjustment was performed and topical sodium fluoride was applied to tooth surface. Periodical clinical and radiographic controls were carried out and the restored teeth were followed up for 4 and 3 years, respectively, until exfoliation. In these two reports, the technical aspects are described and the benefits and disadvantages of biological restorations as an alternative treatment for rehabilitation of severely destroyed primary molars are discussed.
Conciliar o útil ao agradável e fazer ciência: Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro - 1808 a 1860
Authors: Bediaga Begonha
Published: January 2008

Embora esteja às vésperas de completar duzentos anos, a trajetória do Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro ainda carece de estudo sistematizado. O artigo busca compreender as questões que ocasionaram o desinteresse por esse estabelecimento científico nas pesquisas da história das ciências e das instituições, acarretando a permanência do que consta em memória elaborada pelo seu diretor João Barbosa Rodrigues, por ocasião do centenário da instituição. Analisa as principais questões relacionadas à sua história desde a criação em 1808, até sua incorporação pelo Imperial Instituto Fluminense de Agricultura, em 1861, com o objetivo de colaborar para as discussões acerca da história das instituições e das ciências naturais, no período em foco.
Lazareto da Ilha Grande: isolamento, aprisionamento e vigilância nas áreas de saúde e política (1884-1942)
Authors: Santos Myrian Sepúlveda dos
Published: January 2008

Analisa o Lazareto da Ilha Grande, no litoral do estado do Rio de Janeiro, construído em 1884 para controle da propagação de epidemias através dos portos brasileiros. Afastados do continente, seus edifícios possibilitavam a vigilância contínua dos internos, que eram submetidos a um regime distinto de isolamento conforme a classe que ocupavam nos navios. Utilizado em diversos períodos como presídio militar, o complexo foi completamente desativado; em 1942, recuperado, converteu-se na Colônia Penal Cândido Mendes.
A guerra e as laranjas: uma palestra radiofônica sobre o valor alimentício das frutas nacionais (1940)
Authors: Rodrigues Jaime , Vasconcellos Maria da Penha Costa
Published: January 2008

Apresenta o uso do rádio pelos sanitaristas desde o início do século XX, para fins educativos. Homens como Geraldo Horácio de Paula Souza e Borges Vieira utilizaram as ondas do rádio para popularizar práticas higiênicas e divulgar temas de interesse sanitário. Em 16 de abril de 1940 Paula Souza foi aos microfones da Rádio Educadora Paulista e, por meio de palestra, defendeu o valor nutritivo e a necessidade de consumo da laranja como ato patriótico. Divulgando as qualidades alimentícias da fruta, Paula Souza lançou a Campanha da Laranja. O sucesso extrapolou o estado de São Paulo, ganhando espaço na imprensa e sob a forma de folheto de propaganda do Serviço de Informação Agrícola, com o apoio incondicional do então ministro da Agricultura Fernando Costa.
A reinvenção da sexualidade masculina na paraplegia adquirida
Authors: Silva Luiz Carlos Avelino da , Albertini Paulo
Published: January 2008

Neste trabalho a sexualidade masculina é discutida a partir da condição de um homem com lesão medular. Seu objetivo foi investigar o impacto da paraplegia adquirida na sexualidade masculina. Metodologicamente adotou-se uma abordagem qualitativa e coletou-se a história de vida por meio de entrevistas. As principais conclusões apontam para um deslocamento das representações da masculinidade associadas à força, virilidade e violência, para um posicionamento interno e a busca de formas de viver a sexualidade que valorizam a singularidade da experiência, em detrimento dos modelos tradicionais.
Escola como zona de passagem
Authors: Indursky Alexei , Butkus Vitor , Prati Laíssa Eschiletti , Santos Nair Iracema Silveira dos
Published: January 2008

O presente trabalho surgiu de um projeto de integração das disciplinas de Psicologia Escolar I e Psicologia Social II, desenvolvido na Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) no ano de 2004. Conceitos teóricos da Psicologia Social teceram uma rede integrada com a realidade de uma escola municipal de Porto Alegre, por meio de olhares criativos de quem pela primeira vez observava o campo com o referencial teórico da psicologia pós-moderna. Abordando conceitos como instituição, dobra, enunciação e marcas, olhares desafiadores foram se constituindo. O campo da escola surge como ponto de partida para questionar e ampliar a área de atuação da Psicologia Social e da análise institucional.
Das dimensões pedagógicas para a construção da cidadaniano exercício do controle social
Authors: Aciole Giovanni Gurgel
Published: January 2008

Este artigo aborda a prática do controle social no Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) em sua dimensão pedagógica. A prática do controle social tem sido saudada como alternativa de democracia direta, e como espaço de defesa do interesse público na política de saúde. A reflexão sobre a ação dos conselhos de saúde reconhece as dificuldades trazidas pelos conflitos e tensões entre interesses individuais e grupais, entre cultura de individualidade e prática de cidadania. Inclui, além disso, a questão do poder, considerado em suas várias vertentes. Contudo, para que se construa o controle social no SUS, são necessários a apropriação e o acúmulo de poder, e a superação das tensões e conflitos entre o indivíduo e o cidadão. Em conclusão, sugere-se que estes aspectos constituam elementos pedagógicos a serem explorados para a construção de cidadania e da democracia, e para o aprimoramento do exercício do controle social e público, no SUS.
Produção do cuidado e produção pedagógica: integração de cenários do sistema de saúde no Brasil
Authors: Franco Túlio Batista
Published: January 2008

Em toda a história de construção do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) há um razoável investimento na educação para o setor. No entanto, gestores e trabalhadores da saúde constatam que o investimento em programas educacionais não tem se convertido em mudança das práticas de cuidado. Partindo do pressuposto de que educação pode ser dispositivo de mudança, sugere-se que práticas pedagógicas direcionem a produção de sujeitos implicados com a produção do cuidado. Assim, propõe-se trabalhar, além da cognição, o campo das subjetivações. Este trabalho revela a gestão do SUS e seus fluxos de educação permanente, constituindo o foco da "microgestão" para pensar no contexto sobre o qual se estruturam os diversos cenários de produção do cuidado, tratando-os como unidades de produção pedagógica, onde seria possível desenvolver metodologias educacionais vinculadas a uma idéia geral de educação permanente em saúde.
Construindo um programa de educação com agentes comunitários de saúde
Authors: Duarte Lúcia Rondelo , Silva Débora Schimming Jardini Rodrigues da , Cardoso Sandra Helena
Published: January 2008

Com a preocupação de subsidiar a formação de agentes comunitários de saúde da Estratégia de Saúde da Família, este estudo teve como propósito construir um Programa de Educação para capacitar um grupo de agentes comunitárias de unidade de saúde da família de Sorocaba, São Paulo. Os discursos a respeito das percepções que essas agentes têm sobre o seu trabalho, suas dificuldades e propostas foram captados e analisados segundo o referencial do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo. Os resultados mostraram as necessidades de aprendizagem do grupo e nortearam a construção e implementação do Programa de Educação para o qual adotou-se o modelo da Educação Problematizadora. O conhecimento foi construído pelas agentes de saúde com base na problematização da realidade, debatendo, buscando soluções e implementando projetos de intervenção. Elas puderam perceber que ser agente comunitário de saúde é, sobretudo, lutar e aglomerar forças em sua comunidade na defesa dos serviços públicos de saúde e educação e da melhoria dos determinantes sociais de saúde.
Campos de intervenções organizacionais: a contribuição das ciências humanas para uma leitura crítica das propostas de gestão das organizações de saúde
Authors: Lins Auristela Maciel , Cecílio Luiz Carlos de Oliveira
Published: January 2008

O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um esquema analítico que possa ser utilizado por estudiosos das organizações, sobretudo gestores e avaliadores em saúde, como roteiro para a leitura crítica de propostas de intervenção organizacional que lhes são apresentadas no cotidiano de suas organizações e que se pretendem transformadoras de uma situação indesejada. O esquema ora apresentado resulta de uma pesquisa que discutiu teses de doutorado defendidas entre 2000 e 2004, nas principais universidades brasileiras, procurando identificar os paradigmas utilizados nessas obras acadêmicas recentes. Compõe-se de tipos ideais denominados "campos de intervenções organizacionais", construídos com a contribuição de algumas produções teóricas das ciências humanas.
A medicalização da beleza
Authors: Poli Neto Paulo , Caponi Sandra N.C.
Published: January 2008

A supervalorização da aparência física é acompanhada pelo crescimento de uma medicina da beleza. Neste estudo investiga-se como a Cirurgia Plástica Estética aborda a aparência por meio da análise de discurso das revistas Aesthetic Surgery Journal e Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, em 2003 e 2004. Três categorias foram analisadas: como define seu objeto de estudo; em que padrões de beleza baseia a intervenção; e como explica a demanda pela cirurgia. A racionalidade que sustenta o discurso é a biomédica, que se estrutura em torno de uma teoria das doenças e de uma construção dual entre normal e patológico. Os padrões de beleza constroem-se com base em normas biológicas e de estudos antropométricos, e não de normas sociais de beleza. A motivação para as intervenções estéticas proviria de uma baixa auto-estima, naturalizada, resultante da desconformidade do corpo em relação às normas. No sentido emprestado à medicalização neste estudo, conclui-se que há uma apropriação de variações ou anomalias da aparência física pela racionalidade biomédica, o que permitiria discursar sobre o tema em termos de saúde/doença, normal/patológico.