bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum IgE, Tumor Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Expression, and Inherited Polymorphisms Associated with Glioma Survival
Authors: Wrensch Margaret , Wiencke John K. , Wiemels Joe , Miike Rei , Patoka Joe , Moghadassi Michelle , McMillan Alex , Kelsey Karl T. , Aldape Kenneth , Lamborn Kathleen R. , Parsa Andrew T. , Sison Jennette D. , Prados Michael D.
Published: April 2006

In population-based glioma patients, we examined survival in relation to potentially pertinent constitutive polymorphisms, serologic factors, and tumor genetic and protein alterations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MDM2, and TP53. Subjects were newly diagnosed adults residing in the San Francisco Bay Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Area during 1991 to 1994 and 1997 to 1999 with central neuropathology review (n = 873). Subjects provided blood for serologic studies of IgE and IgG to four herpes viruses and constitutive specimens for genotyping 22 polymorphisms in 13 genes (n = 471). We obtained 595 of 697 astrocytic tumors for marker studies. We determined treatments, vital status, and other factors using registry, interview, medical record, and active follow-up data. Cox regressions for survival were adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, study series, resection versus biopsy only, radiation, and chemotherapy. Using a stringent P < 0.001, glioma survival was associated with ERCC1 C8092A [hazard ratio (HR), 0.72; 95% confidence limits (95% CL), 0.60-0.86; P = 0.0004] and GSTT1 deletion (HR, 1.64; 95% CL, 1.25-2.16; P = 0.0004); glioblastoma patients with elevated IgE had 9 months longer survival than those with normal or borderline IgE levels (HR, 0.62; 95% CL, 0.47-0.82; P = 0.0007), and EGFR expression in anaplastic astrocytoma was associated with nearly 3-fold poorer survival (HR, 2.97; 95% CL, 1.70-5.19; P = 0.0001). Based on our and others' findings, we recommend further studies to (a) understand relationships of elevated IgE levels and other immunologic factors with improved glioblastoma survival potentially relevant to immunologic therapies and (b) determine which inherited ERCC1 variants or other variants in the 19q13.3 region influence survival. We also suggest that tumor EGFR expression be incorporated into clinical evaluation of anaplastic astrocytoma patients. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4531-41)
Two-Dimensional Transcriptome Profiling: Identification of Messenger RNA Isoform Signatures in Prostate Cancer from Archived Paraffin-Embedded Cancer Specimens
Authors: Li Hai-Ri , Wang-Rodriguez Jessica , Nair T. Murlidharan , Yeakley Joanne M. , Kwon Young-Soo , Bibikova Marina , Zheng Christina , Zhou Lixin , Zhang Kui , Downs Tracy , Fu Xiang-Dong , Fan Jian-Bing
Published: April 2006

The expression of specific mRNA isoforms may uniquely reflect the biological state of a cell because it reflects the integrated outcome of both transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation. In this study, we constructed a splicing array to examine ∼1,500 mRNA isoforms from a panel of genes previously implicated in prostate cancer and identified a large number of cell type–specific mRNA isoforms. We also developed a novel “two-dimensional” profiling strategy to simultaneously quantify changes in splicing and transcript abundance; the results revealed extensive covariation between transcription and splicing in prostate cancer cells. Taking advantage of the ability of our technology to analyze RNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, we derived a specific set of mRNA isoform biomarkers for prostate cancer using independent panels of tissue samples for feature selection and cross-analysis. A number of cancer-specific splicing switch events were further validated by laser capture microdissection. Quantitative changes in transcription/RNA stability and qualitative differences in splicing ratio may thus be combined to characterize tumorigenic programs and signature mRNA isoforms may serve as unique biomarkers for tumor diagnosis and prognosis. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4079-88)
Identification of EZH2 as a Molecular Marker for a Precancerous State in Morphologically Normal Breast Tissues
Authors: Ding Lei , Erdmann Christine , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Merajver Sofia D. , Kleer Celina G.
Published: April 2006

The discovery of molecular markers to detect the precancerous state would have profound implications in the prevention of breast cancer. We report that the expression of the Polycomb group protein EZH2 increases in histologically normal breast epithelium with higher risk of developing cancer. We identify EZH2 as a potential marker for detecting preneoplastic lesions of the breast in vivo and as a possible target for preventative intervention. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4095-9)
Shh Pathway Activity Is Down-Regulated in Cultured Medulloblastoma Cells: Implications for Preclinical Studies
Authors: Sasai Ken , Romer Justyna T. , Lee Youngsoo , Finkelstein David , Fuller Christine , McKinnon Peter J. , Curran Tom
Published: April 2006

Gene expression profiling indicates that the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) pathway is active in ∼30% of human medulloblastomas, suggesting that it could provide a useful therapeutic target. Previously, we showed that spontaneous medulloblastomas in Ptc1+/−p53−/− mice could be eradicated by treatment with a small-molecule inhibitor (HhAntag) of Smoothened (Smo). Here, we compared the responses of mouse medulloblastoma cells propagated in flank allografts, either directly or after culture in vitro, to HhAntag. We found that Shh pathway activity was suppressed in medulloblastoma cells cultured in vitro and it was not restored when these cells were transplanted into the flank of nude mice. The growth of these transplanted tumor cells was not inhibited by treatment of mice with doses of HhAntag that completely suppressed Smo activity. Interestingly, tumor cells transplanted directly into the flank maintained Smo activity and were sensitive to treatment with HhAntag. These findings indicate that propagation of tumor cells in culture inhibits Smo activity in a way that cannot be reversed by transplantation in vivo, and they raise concerns about the use of cultured tumor cells to test the efficacy of Shh pathway inhibitors as anticancer therapies. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4215-22)
The DNA Damage Response Arouses the Immune System
Authors: Gasser Stephan , Raulet David H.
Published: April 2006

Although there is considerable knowledge of how DNA damage triggers cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, and apoptosis, little was known about its potential role in immune responses. Recently, we showed that genotoxic stress and stalled DNA replication forks induce the expression of ligands for the NKG2D receptor found in natural killer cells and certain T cells, cell types that are able to attack tumor cells. Chronic activation of this response in tumor cells may contribute to immune recognition, but it also imposes a selection mechanism for immune escape and malignant progression. This unique arm of the DNA damage response may have implications for understanding therapeutic responses, many of which induce the DNA damage response, and for designing more effective regimens to treat cancer. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 3959-62)
Remodeling of Early-Phase Repolarization
Authors: Wang Yanggan , Cheng Jun , Joyner Ronald W. , Wagner Mary B. , Hill Joseph A.
Published: April 2006

Background—

The early phase of action potential (AP) repolarization is critical to impulse conduction in the heart because it provides current for charging electrically coupled cells. In the present study we tested the impact of heart failure–associated electrical remodeling on AP propagation.

Methods and Results—

Subepicardial, midmyocardial, and subendocardial myocytes were enzymatically dissociated from control and pressure-overload failing left ventricle (LV), and APs were recorded. A unique coupling-clamp technique was used to electrically couple 2 isolated myocytes with a controlled value of coupling conductance (G
c
). In sham-operated mice, AP duration manifested a clear transmural gradient, with faster repolarization in subepicardial myocytes than in subendocardial myocytes. AP propagation from subendocardial to subepicardial myocytes required less G
c
compared with conduction in the opposite direction. In failing heart, AP morphology was dramatically altered, with a significantly elevated plateau potential and prolonged AP duration. Spatially nonuniform alteration of AP duration in failing heart blunted the transmural gradient of repolarization. Furthermore, increased pacing rate prolonged AP duration exclusively in myocytes from failing heart, and the critical conductance required for successful AP propagation decreased significantly at high frequencies. Finally, in failing heart, asymmetry of transmural electrical propagation was abolished.

Conclusions—

In failing heart, preferential conduction from subendocardial to subepicardial myocytes is lost, and failing myocytes manifest facilitated AP propagation at fast rates. Together, these electrical remodeling responses may promote conduction of premature impulses and heighten the risk of malignant arrhythmia, a prominent feature of heart failure.
Characteristics of Tropical Convection over the Ocean near Kwajalein
Authors: Cetrone Jasmine , Houze Robert A.
Published: April 2006

Radar observations have been analyzed to determine characteristics of convection over the oceanic region around Kwajalein in the tropical western Pacific. Generally, the echo areas, heights, and durations exhibited lognormal distributions. Heights were greater under conditions of higher midtropospheric humidity and correlated with echo area, with a wide spread of values. Mergers and splits often truncated echo lifetimes.

The most surprising result was the distribution of orientation angles of echo lines, which statistically verify the shear-parallel and shear-normal modes of convective line organization seen elsewhere over tropical oceans. The two modes typically coexisted within the area of radar coverage, indicating a potential difficulty in predicting line orientation in terms of large-scale variables.

The largest members of the echo population were mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), which had large stratiform components. They occurred in environments of increased humidity and higher midlevel buoyancy associated with westward-propagating synoptic-scale disturbances. MCSs moved with the easterlies in low to midlevels and exhibited the jump updraft, overturning updraft, and subsiding midlevel inflow characteristic of tropical oceanic MCSs.

The Kwajalein Experiment (KWAJEX) radar echo population resembles that of the eastern tropical Atlantic in terms of the shapes of the distributions of area, height, and lifetime, the prevalence of echo mergers and splits, and the tendency to form shear-parallel and shear-normal lines. These characteristics appear to be endemic to oceanic convective populations. Large-scale conditions appear to modulate these basic population characteristics rather than qualitatively alter them.
Retrieval of Moisture from Slant-Path Water Vapor Observations of a Hypothetical GPS Network Using a Three-Dimensional Variational Scheme with Anisotropic Background Error
Authors: Liu Haixia , Xue Ming
Published: April 2006

A three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) scheme is developed for retrieving three-dimensional moisture in the atmosphere from slant-path measurements of a hypothetical ground-based global positioning system (GPS) observation network. It is assumed that the observed data are in the form of slant-path water vapor (SWV), which is the integrated water vapor along the slant path between the ground receiver and the GPS satellite. The inclusion of a background in the analysis overcomes the under-determinedness problem. An explicit Gaussian-type spatial filter is used to model the background error covariances that can be anisotropic. As a unique aspect of this study, an anisotropic spatial filter based on flow-dependent background error structures is implemented and tested and the filter coefficients are derived from either true background error field or from the increment of an intermediate analysis that is obtained using an isotropic filter. In the latter case, an iterative procedure is involved.

A set of experiments is conducted to test the new scheme with hypothetical GPS observations for a dryline case that occurred during the 2002 International H2O Project (IHOP_2002) field experiment. Results illustrate that this system is robust and can properly recover three-dimensional mesoscale moisture structures from GPS SWV data and surface moisture observations. The analysis captures major features in water vapor associated with the dryline even when an isotropic spatial filter is used. The analysis is further improved significantly by the use of flow-dependent background error covariances modeled by an anisotropic spatial filter.

Sensitivity tests show that surface moisture observations are important for the analysis near ground, and more so when flow-dependent background error covariances are not used. Vertical filtering is necessary for obtaining accurate analysis increments. The retrieved moisture field remains reasonably accurate when the surface moisture observations and GPS SWV data contain errors of typical magnitudes. The positive impact of flow-dependent background error covariances increases when the density of ground-based GPS receiver stations decreases.
Constructing Hegemony
Authors: Bianchi Alvaro
Published: April 2006

Fernando Henrique Cardoso long ago argued that the business class in an underdeveloped country was limited in its power by its dependence on the state’s participation in the economy and on foreign capital. In the course of the past decade, however, the conditions for business-class hegemony in Brazil did in fact develop. The late 1980s saw the rise of entities that organized businesspeople of different sectors and argued for democratization and grassroots consultation. The Pensamento Nacional das Bases Empresariais, founded in 1990, viewed the market as a regulatory mechanism but did not seek to eliminate state intervention from every sector of the economy and envisioned a new relationship between capital and labor based on negotiation of agreements that satisfied both. Businesspeople came to see in Cardoso a leader who could resolve the crisis of representation of their class and lent him their support in the 1994 election. As they approached the government’s position, however, they began to support objectives quite different from those that had led to their organizations’ creation.
Disciplining the Workforce
Authors: Invernizzi Noela
Published: April 2006

Production restructuring in Brazil has brought changes in the way workers are controlled within the factory, and this has influenced the effects on them of adverse conditions in the labor market. An analysis of these effects based upon research conducted between 1980 and 2000 in six sectors of Brazilian industry—automotive, domestic electrical appliance manufacture, chemical and petrochemical, textile, footwear, and telecommunication equipment—points to increasing heterogeneity in the workforce and a clear loss of the power that unions acquired in the 1980s.
Combining Care Work and Paid Work
Authors: Pavalko Eliza K. , Henderson Kathryn A.
Published: April 2006

Demographic shifts mean that workers will increasingly face challenges of caring for ill or disabled family members. The authors use data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Young Women to assess whether employed women are more likely to leave the labor force when they start care work and whether access to workplace policies alters these patterns. They found that, as with earlier cohorts, employed women are more likely to leave the labor force after they start care work. Workers in jobs that provide access to flexible hours, unpaid family leave, and paid sick or vacation days are more likely to remain employed and maintain work hours over a two-year period, but access to job benefits has little impact on women's distress. Although most policies do not provide additional benefits for employed caregivers than for other workers, unpaid family leave does increase their employment retention.
Demographic Trends That Will Shape U.S. Policy in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Wilmoth Janet M. , Longino Charles F.
Published: April 2006

This article first reviews recent facts about the size, distribution, and general characteristics of the older adult population. Next, the importance of considering variation in the aging experience is discussed. Then the implications of trends related to American families and women's labor force participation are explored. Finally, the challenges of addressing these trends given projected fiscal pressures are considered. The authors emphasize the diversity that exists among the older adult population and argue that mounting disparities could increase the salience of public programs for certain segments of the older adult population. In addition, even under the best-case scenarios of improving health, lower disability, and declining mortality, the projected increase in the older adult population is likely to place heavy demands on federal, state, and local programs for older adults. Overall, this review of issues related to recent demographic trends provides a foundation for the subsequent articles in this edited volume.
Health Care Use Among Elderly Mexicans in the United States and Mexico
Authors: Wong Rebeca , Díaz Juan José , Higgins Monica
Published: April 2006

The authors sought to contribute to public policy on U.S. immigrants by comparing patterns of health care use among the Mexican-origin population aged 70 and older in the United States and Mexico. They studied the role of health insurance in the propensity to have doctor visits and hospitalizations, controlling for aspects of health and the economic and sociodemographic characteristics of individuals. The authors found that the elderly of Mexican origin in the United States were more likely to be hospitalized than those in Mexico, regardless of health insurance. However, in the absence of health insurance, visits to doctors were more likely in Mexico than in the United States. The results indicate that although in both countries, the availability of health insurance is associated with a higher propensity to use any health care services, a lack of health insurance may have more negative consequences for primary health care in the United States than in Mexico.
An Assessment of Equivalence Between Online and Mail Surveys in Service Research
Authors: Deutskens Elisabeth , de Ruyter Ko , Wetzels Martin
Published: April 2006

This article examines whether online and mail surveys produce convergent results, which would allow them to be used in mixed-mode service quality studies. In the context of a large business-to-business service quality assessment, an analysis of the accuracy and completeness of respondent answers to both open and closed questions suggests that online and mail surveys produce equivalent results. Composite reliability shows consistently high levels for both groups, and the means and variance-covariance matrices are equal across modes. However, minor differences occur between the two survey methods; online respondents provide more improvement suggestions, indicate more often to which competitor they want to switch, and provide lengthier answers in response to requests for examples of positive experiences with the company. This research provides important findings regarding the process for, and results of, comparing two survey modes.
Managing Organizational Cultural Influences During the Implementation of Competency-Based Training
Authors: Hatala John-Paul , Gumm James C.
Published: April 2006

This article examines organizational cultural influences on a human resource development (HRD) practitioner’s ability to effectively implement a competency-based training program. A five-phase conceptual model was created based on the process of implementing a competency-based approach to training and examines how differing agendas from individual organizational members and key stakeholders can derail a program. Suggestions are provided on how HRD practitioners can deal with these influences to increase their chances for successful program implementation.
An Integrative Model of Competency Development, Training Design, Assessment Center, and Multi-Rater Assessment
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chih , Naquin Sharon S.
Published: April 2006

Although assessment center has been proven effective in predicting performance, the issue of establishing construct-related validity of assessment center is still unsolved, resulting in an unmet research challenge. Woehr and Arthur asserted that the lack of construct-related validity in assessment center literature is primarily due to issues of design and development. This article focuses on the design aspect of assessment center to develop an integrative competency-based assessment center model that links competency development, training design, assessment center, and multi-rater assessment together. Built around validity (particularly construct-related) issues of assessment center, the model guides scholarly practitioners on how to design a competency-based assessment center that has potential to improve construct-related validity and capability to build into training design and assessment and other human resource functions. Nine propositions related to validity were developed in accordance with the model to evoke future research. Practical implications are also provided.
The Coase Theorem and Player Movement in Major League Baseball
Authors: Surdam David G.
Published: April 2006

The Coase theorem suggests that under certain conditions, the distribution of player talent should be similar before and after free agency. Previous attempts to test the theory's applicability to major league baseball were either examinations of win-loss distributions or comparisons of player movements before and after free agency. These approaches have significant drawbacks. Did the same teams sport winning records over an extended period before and after free agency? Franchise relocations and implementation of a draft of amateur players should have also affected player movement patterns and distributions of win-loss records. American League teams had changes in their win-loss records that do not fully correspond to the theory's predictions, raising questions of what transaction costs might have impeded transferring players. Teams in smaller towns tended to lose talent to teams in larger cities; the flow of talent was roughly similar between periods.
Long-range Photoinduced Electron Transfer Mediated by Oligo-p-phenylenebutadiynylene Conjugated Bridges
Authors: Tashiro Kentaro , Sato Azumi , Yuzawa Tetsuro , Aida Takuzo , Yamanaka Ken-ichi , Fujitsuka Mamoru , Ito Osamu
Published: April 2006

A series of novel zinc porphyrin/C60 dyads connected by 20–40 Å long intervening modules involving π-conjugated p-phenylenebutadiynylene oligomers underwent long-range photoinduced electron transfer with an attenuation factor (β) of 0.25 Å−1.
Two New Coordination Polymers Based on Hexanuclear Metal Cluster Cores
Authors: Chen Jinxi , Ohba Masaaki , Kitagawa Susumu
Published: April 2006

Two new coordination polymers based on hexanuclear metal cluster cores, Zn6(HCOO)6(DBrTPA)3(DMF)6 (1) and Mn6(HCOO)6(BTC)2(DMF)6 (2) have been solvothermally synthesized. It is noteworthy that the formic ligands were in situ generated by the hydrolysis of DMF solvent under the solvothermal conditions and incorporated into these two compounds. The temperature-dependence of magnetic susceptibility for 2 shows antiferromagnetic interactions between metal centers.
Andalucía Assesses the Investment Needed to Deploy a Fiber-Optic Network
Authors: Cortes Pablo , Muñuzuri Jesus , Onieva Luis , Larrañeta Juan , Vozmediano Juan M. , Alarcon Jose C.
Published: April 2006

Setting up fiber-optic telecommunication networks requires large investments. The regional government of Andalusia assigned us the task of developing a tool capable of evaluating the deployment cost of a network to connect large cities and also to include smaller towns, to prevent their falling behind in the information society. The Andalusian regional government aimed to deploy a network capable of accessing most of the municipalities in the region, even those municipalities that could not be profitable from a monetary perspective. We developed a nonlinear mathematical-programming model with special focus on the investment costs. These costs included the costs of civil-engineering work, as well as those for deploying telematic links. We solved this complex problem using a genetic algorithm that we had previously tested with a set of trial problems. The government used the results to persuade private companies to expand their fiber-optic networks to reach small towns.
Pricing for Environmental Compliance in the Auto Industry
Authors: Biller Stephan , Swann Julie
Published: April 2006

For environmental and political reasons, governments have imposed fleetwide standards for emissions and fuel economy on automotive manufacturers. For example, the US government has imposed corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) regulations on manufacturers for their vehicles sold in the United States. When these standards run contrary to consumer preferences or when technology advances fail to deliver anticipated benefits, manufacturers may use price as a short-term strategy to encourage consumers to switch to vehicles that help the firm to achieve fleetwide compliance. We developed a mathematical model to coordinate price with production decisions while meeting fleetwide standards, market share, and production-capacity constraints. To incorporate substitutability of products, we created a demand model that uses consumers’ second-choice preferences and linear demand curves.
A Five‐year Study of Solar Ultraviolet Radiation in Southern Chile (39° S): Potential Impact on Physiology of Coastal Marine Algae?
Authors: Huovinen Pirjo , Gómez Iván , Lovengreen Charlotte
Published: April 2006

This study reports 5 years of (1998–2003) data on continuous solar‐irradiation measurements from a scanning spectroradiometer (SUV‐100) in Valdivia, Chile (39° S), accompanied by evaluation of the impact of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) on marine macroalgae of this site. UVR conditions showed a strong seasonal variation, which was less pronounced toward longer wavelengths. Daily maximum dose rates (clear days) averaged in winter‐summer: UV‐B(290–315 nm) 0.30–2.1, UV‐B(290–320 nm) 0.703.7, UV‐A(315–400 nm) 20.6–62.1, UV‐A(320–400 nm) 20.2–60.5 W m‐2, and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) 969–2423 μmol m‐2 s‐1. The corresponding daily doses (all the days) ranged: UV‐B(290–315nm) 2.6–40.7, UV‐B(290–320 nm) 6.7–78.5, UV‐A(315–400 nm) 228–1539, UV‐A(320–400nm) 224–1501, and PAR 2008–13308 kJ m‐2 d‐1. Taking into consideration action spectra of a biological interest, the risk of UV exposure could be up to 37 times higher in summer than in winter. The photosynthetic activity (as maximum quantum yield of chlorophyll fluorescence, Fv/Fm) of the brown alga Lessonia nigrescens from the infralittoral zone was markedly more sensitive to UVR than of the green alga Enteromorpha intestinalis from the upper midlittoral, and the UV‐B wave band increased markedly photoinhibition. In L. nigrescens, maximal photoinhibition (40%) took place at weighted (the action spectrum for photoinhibition of photosynthesis) UVR doses of 800 kJ m‐2, irrespective of the season (corresponding midsummer daily dose in Valdivia is 480 kJ m‐2). In winter, when this alga was at its most sensitive, the weighted W dose causing 35–40% photoinhibition was around 200 kJ m‐2. In E. intestinalis, weighted doses of 800 kJ m‐2 resulted in low photoinhibition (<10%) and no clear seasonal patterns could be inferred. These results confirm that midday summer levels of UV‐B and their daily doses in southern Chile are high enough to produce stress to intertidal macroalgae.
S100B protein related neonatal hypoxia
Authors: Martins Régis Osorio , Rotta Newra Telechea , Portela Luiz V. , Souza Diogo O.
Published: April 2006

Biochemical markers have played an increasingly relevant role in the assessment of neonatal asphyxia. The S100B protein is particularly important in research conducted in this field. The purpose of this study was to underline the importance of the S100B protein in the assessment of term newborn infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, as well as to relate it to other substances also involved in the ischemic process. An assessment was made from September 2003 to October 2004 of 21 term newborn infants who developed hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Samples were collected on the 1st and 4th day of life and S100B protein and lactate concentrations were calculated using the immune cytochemical method. A positive relationship was found between the two substances. Additionally, a comparison between the two substances showed a statistically significant correlation.
Expression of p53, Ki-67 and c-erb B2 in growth hormone-and/or prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Botelho Carlos Henrique A. , Magalhães Albino Verçosa de , Mello Paulo Andrade de , Schmitt Fernando C. , Casulari Luiz Augusto
Published: April 2006

The subcellular events implicated on the formation and behavior of pituitary adenomas are not fully understood. In this study we investigated the presence of p53, Ki-67 and c-erb B2 in 38 pituitary adenomas with immunohistochemical positivity for GH and prolactin (n=26; 68.4%), for prolactin (n=9; 23.7%) and for GH (n=3. 7.8%). The analyses revealed the following results: 24 (63.2%) tumors expressed variable positivity for c-erb B2, 11 (28.9%) expressed p53 positivity and 11 (28.9%) tumors were variably positive for Ki-67. Our results demonstrated a high percentage of GH/prolactin-, prolactin- and GH-secreting tumors with immunohistochemical positivity for c-erb B2. Once this membrane receptor is related to growth factors EGF and TGFalpha and both have a definite effect on tumor growth, our data suggest a possible role for c-erb B2 on the evolution of these tumors.
Estudo epidemiológico das lesões traumáticas de plexo braquial em adultos
Authors: Flores Leandro Pretto
Published: April 2006

OBJETIVO: Determinar informações epidemiológicas sobre as variáveis relacionadas ao trauma de plexo braquial em adultos. MÉTODO: Foram analisados 35 pacientes, de maneira prospectiva, atendidos consecutivamente no período de um ano. RESULTADOS: A maioria das lesões apresentou localização supraclavicular (62%), sendo 21 lesões por mecanismo de tração (60%), nove por projétil de arma de fogo (25%), três por compressão (8,5%) e dois ferimentos cortantes (5,7%). Acidentes motociclísticos responderam por 54% das causas do trauma. A TC-mielografia identificou avulsão radicular em 16 casos (76%). Melhora neurológica parcial espontânea foi observada em 43% dos pacientes. Dor neuropática foi observada em 25 casos (71%) sendo que em 16 (64%) pôde ser controlada com medicações orais. CONCLUSÃO: Os traumas de plexo braquial são mais freqüentemente associados aos mecanismos de tração, sendo comum identificação de avulsão radicular. Em geral produzem dor no membro afetado e estão associados a lesões em outros órgãos. Na presente série, a incidência calculada para a população de abrangência foi 1,75/100000/ano.
Generalized periodic EEG activity in two cases of neurosyphilis
Authors: Anghinah Renato , Camargo Érica C.S. , Braga Nádia I. , Waksman Simone , Nitrini Ricardo
Published: April 2006

Neurosyphilis is a recognized cause of epileptic seizures and cognitive impairment, but is not usually associated with the finding of generalized periodic activity in the EEG. We report two similar cases characterized by progressive cognitive impairment followed by partial complex seizures, in whom the EEG showed generalized periodic activity. Both cerebrospinal fluid and the response to penicillin therapy confirmed the diagnoses of neurosyphilis in the two cases. The finding of EEG generalized periodic activity in patients with cognitive or behavioral disorders is usually associated with Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, although there are other conditions, some of them potentially reversible, which may also present this EEG abnormality. Neurosyphilis has tended not to be included among them, and our present findings support the importance of first ruling out neurosyphilis in those patients with cognitive or behavioral disorders associated with generalized periodic epileptiform discharges.
Tuberculous meningoencephalomyelitis and coinfection with HTLV-I + HTLV-II: case report
Authors: Menna-Barreto Marcio , Machado Denise C.
Published: April 2006

HTLV-I and HTLV-II are endemic in some areas of Brazil, where an associated disease, HTLV-I-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) have been diagnosed in significant number of infected individuals. Tuberculosis has been demonstrated among those individuals, with higher prevalence than in the general population, suggesting that there is an increased risk for this comorbidity. We report the case of an individual coinfected with HTLV-I and HTLV-II, suffering from an insidious meningoencephalomyelitis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The patient was a 44 years old man successfully treated with steroids and antituberculous drugs, improving clinically and turning to a negative PCR and to a normal blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier.
Parotidite recorrente da infância: estudo em longo prazo de cinco casos e revisão da literatura
Authors: Miziara Ivan Dieb , Campelo Victor Eulalio Sousa
Published: April 2006

Parotidite recorrente (PR) é definida como inflamação recorrente em glândula parótida, geralmente associada à sialectasia não-obstrutiva. A PR em crianças é uma condição bem descrita, porém rara e com causa ainda incerta. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem o propósito de: 1) descrever a evolução de cinco casos de PR com acompanhamento em longo prazo; 2) examinar os achados ultra-sonográficos e sialográficos nestes pacientes; e 3) realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o tema. FORMA DE ESTUDO: estudo de série. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Revisaram-se os prontuários, sialografias e ultra-sonografias das crianças atendidas na Divisão de Clínica Otorrinolaringológica do Hospital das Clínicas da F.M.U.S.P. que se apresentaram com achados clínicos típicos de PR, com pelo menos 2 anos de evolução da doença e mais de 1,5 ano de acompanhamento, totalizando cinco casos. Essas crianças foram submetidas à sialografia de glândula parótida dos lados acometidos e ultra-sonografia bilateral no início do acompanhamento, além de ultra-sonografia anual. Os pacientes com parotidite recorrente demonstraram uma preponderância do sexo masculino e uma idade de aparecimento predominantemente entre três e seis anos. A freqüência das crises mostrou uma tendência à diminuição com o tempo. A sialografia mostrou alterações compatíveis com sialectasias em todos os casos e a ultra-sonografia, alterações na textura geralmente com áreas hipoecóicas. A ultra-sonografia do paciente acompanhado por tempo mais prolongado evoluiu para um padrão normal acompanhando o quadro clínico, o que pode sugerir que este exame traz uma vantagem no acompanhamento da atividade da doença.
Nível de imunidade contra a poliomielite em um grupo de crianças vacinadas de acordo com o calendário oficial de imunização (São Paulo, Brasil)
Authors: Barbosa Victorio , Stewien Klaus E. , Lima Olmar S. de , Osiro Katsumi
Published: April 2006

A eficiência da vacinação antipoliomielítica foi determinada em um grupo de crianças que receberam a vacina Sabin segundo o esquema de imunização atualmente em vigor na Capital de São Paulo, Brasil. A vacina oral trivalente foi administrada às crianças em condições bem controladas no Centro de Saúde Experimental da Escola Paulista de Medicina, iniciando-se a série básica aos 2 meses de idade. Os resultados mostraram que duas doses de vacina foram insuficientes para se imunizar adequadamente contra os três tipos de vírus da poliomielite. Somente o grupo de crianças que rebeceu a série básica completa de 3 doses de vacina exibiu um nível de imunidade satisfatório, atingindo o taxa de 75% de triplo-imunes. A imunidade contra cada um dos diferentes tipos de poliovírus mostrou-se mais elevada, alcançando após a aplicação de 3 doses de vacina, respectivamente para os tipos 1, 2 e 3, as taxas de 83%, 96% e 88%. Como, porém, as condições de vacinação atualmente existentes nas unidades sanitárias da Capital de São Paulo, Brasil, estão longe de corresponder às do presente estudo, quer seja do ponto de vista operacional, quer quanto ao nível sócio-econômico da maioria da população atendida, é de se esperar que 3 doses básicas de vacina não sejam suficientes para se atingir o nível de imunidade coletivo necessário para manter a paralisia infantil sob efetivo controle. Aconselha-se aumentar o número de doses de vacina da série básica de três para cinco, a fim de que os efeitos desfavoráveis possam ser superados na prática da vacinação oral, com o objetivo de assegurar à população infantil um elevado nível de imunidade contra a doença.
Evidências epidemiológicas da ocorrência de escabiose, em humanos, causada pelo Sarcoptes scabiei (DeGeer, 1778) var. canis (Bourguignon, 1853)
Authors: Larsson Maria Helena Matiko Akao
Published: April 2006

A partir de 27 cães com sarna sarcóptica, envolvendo 143 pessoas expostas à infestação, observaram-se 58 (40,56%) com lesões cutâneas sugestivas de escabiose. Tais lesões mostraram-se mais incidentes nas mulheres do que nos homens e indivíduos de todas as faixas etárias foram acometidos, indistintamente. Foi demonstrada a presença do agente em 3 dos 12 casos humanos observados que mantiveram contato com animais escabiosos.
Flebotomíneos encontrados em galinheiros experimentais nos Estados de São Paulo e Minas Gerais (Brasil) e algumas observações ecológicas
Authors: Gomes Almério de Castro , Rabello Ernesto Xavier , Galati Eunice Aparecida Bianchi
Published: April 2006

Relata-se o encontro de várias espécies de Phlebotominae em galinheiros experimentais distribuídos nos municípios de Guaíra, Pariquera-Açu, Taquarituba, no Estado de São Paulo, e Frutal, Sacramento, no Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Assinala-se a colonização de Lutzomyia migonei (França, 1920), alguns dados sobre Psychodopygus intermedius (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), bem como, novos encontros.
Estimativa de impacto da amamentação sobre a mortalidade infantil
Authors: Escuder Maria Mercedes Loureiro , Venancio Sonia Isoyama , Pereira Julio César Rodrigues
Published: April 2006

OBJETIVO: A mortalidade infantil no Estado de São Paulo tem mostrado uma redução progressiva nos últimos anos. Atualmente, atinge níveis para além dos quais uma maior redução parece desafiadora. Causas neonatais precoces correspondem a 50% desses óbitos. Entre os óbitos não neonatais precoces, destacam-se a pneumonia e a diarréia como as principais causas. O objetivo da pesquisa é estudar o impacto da amamentação na redução dos óbitos. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 14 municípios da Grande São Paulo, onde coletaram-se informações relativas à amamentação por entrevistas, em uma amostra por conglomerados em dias nacionais de vacinação (Projeto Amamentação e Municípios). Também foram consultadas informações sobre mortalidade infantil, recolhidas de fontes oficiais, dos anos de 1999 e 2000. Com base em parâmetros da literatura sobre o risco de óbito por infecção respiratória e diarréia para crianças não amamentadas, calculou-se a fração de mortalidade evitável por cada doença. Os valores, aplicados ao número de óbitos registrados em cada município, permitiram o cálculo do impacto da amamentação sobre o Coeficiente de Mortalidade Infantil (CMI). RESULTADOS: A fração de mortalidade evitável por infecção respiratória variou, segundo o município e a faixa etária, entre 33% e 72%. Para diarréia, a variação ficou entre 35% e 86%. A estimativa média de impacto foi de 9,3% no CMI, com variações, segundo o município, entre 3,6% e 13%. CONCLUSÕES: A amamentação no primeiro ano de vida pode ser a estratégia mais exeqüível de redução da mortalidade pós-neonatal para além dos níveis já alcançados em municípios do Estado de São Paulo.
Prevalencia de hepatitis B, hepatitis C y sífilis en trabajadoras sexuales de Venezuela
Authors: Camejo María I , Mata Gloria , Díaz Marcos
Published: April 2006

OBJETIVO: En Venezuela las trabajadoras sexuales reciben un control sanitario para la sífilis y el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH). Sin embargo, otras importantes infecciones de transmisión sexual no son evaluadas. Así, se realizó este estudio con el objetivo de determinar el nivel socio-cultural de un grupo de trabajadores sexuales y su relación con la sero-presencia de marcadores de Hepatitis C y Hepatitis B, en adición a la evaluación de rutina. MÉTODOS: Se evaluaron 212 trabajadoras sexuales, que acudieron al control sanitario en el servicio de infecciones de transmisión sexual, de la ciudad de Los Teques, Venezuela. Fueron entrevistadas en cuanto a edad, nivel educativo, uso de anticonceptivos y del condón. Se les tomó una muestra de sangre para determinar sífilis, antígeno de superficie de hepatitis B (HBsAg) y la presencia de anticuerpos contra el core de hepatitis B (anti-HBc), virus de hepatitis C (anti-HC) y VIH. Los datos fueron evaluados estadísticamente por Chi-cuadrado y correlación de Pearson. RESULTADOS: La prevalencia fue de 2,4% para sífilis, 0,5% para anti-HC, 3,8% para HBsAg y 13,8% para anti-HBc. Un aumento en la prevalencia de marcadores de hepatitis B se correlacionó con un bajo nivel educativo (p<0,05) e incremento en la edad (p<0,05). No se encontró ningún caso positivo de VIH. La encuesta reveló que el 38,5% de las trabajadoras sexuales nunca utilizan el condón y un 25,6% de ellas no utiliza ningún tipo de método anticonceptivo. CONCLUSIONES: Es necesario implementar planes de inmunización de hepatitis B en este grupo de mujeres, así como campañas de educación sobre la importancia del uso del condón para disminuir la probabilidad de contraer infecciones de transmisión sexual.
Barriers for HIV testing during pregnancy in Southern Brazil
Authors: Rosa Humberto , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Scanlon Thomas , Silva Antônio Augusto Moura da , Giugliani Elsa Justo , Agranonik Marilyn , Tomkins Andrew
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE: To assess HIV testing rate and determine risk factors for not have been tested during pregnancy. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, from December 2000 to February 2001. Socioeconomic, maternal and healthcare variables were obtained by means of a standardized questionnaire. Crude and adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals were obtained in logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 1,642 mothers were interviewed. Of them, 94.3% reported being offered HIV testing before or during pregnancy or during labor; 89 mothers (5.4%) were not tested or did not know if they were tested. Attending fewer than six prenatal visits, being single and younger than 18 years old were relevant barriers preventing HIV testing. There was found a relationship between maternal schooling and the category of prenatal care provider. Having low 22.20 (12.43-39.67) or high 3.38 (1.86-7.68). schooling and being cared in the private sector strongly reduced the likelihood of being HIV tested. CONCLUSIONS: The Brazilian Health Ministry's recommendation for universal counseling and HIV testing has been successfully implemented in the public sector. In order to improve HIV testing coverage, new strategies need to target women cared in the private sector especially those of low schooling.
Case-control study on infant mortality in Southern Brazil
Authors: Mendes Karina Giane , Olinto Maria Teresa Anselmo , Costa Juvenal Soares Dias da
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors associated with infant mortality and, more specifically, with neonatal mortality. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out in the municipality of Caxias do Sul, Southern Brazil. Characteristics of prenatal care and causes of mortality were assessed for all live births in the 2001-2002 period with a completed live-birth certificate and whose mothers lived in the municipality. Cases were defined as all deaths within the first year of life. As controls, there were selected the two children born immediately after each case in the same hospital, who were of the same sex, and did not die within their first year of life. Multivariate analysis was performed using conditional logistic regression. RESULTS: There was a reduction in infant mortality, the greatest reduction was observed in the post-neonatal period. The variables gestational age (<36 weeks), birth weight (<2,500 g), and 5-minute Apgar (<6) remained in the final model of the multivariate analysis, after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Perinatal conditions comprise almost the totality of neonatal deaths, and the majority of deaths occur at delivery. The challenge for reducing infant mortality rate in the city is to reduce the mortality by perinatal conditions in the neonatal period.
Distribuição espacial da co-infecção M. tuberculosis/HIV no Estado de São Paulo, 1991-2001
Authors: Rodrigues-Jr Antonio L , Ruffino-Netto Antonio , Castilho Euclides Ayres de
Published: April 2006

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o padrão espacial de incidência de tuberculose na epidemia de Aids, a fim de verificar a influência do espaço físico na causalidade. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídos os casos de Aids notificados ao Ministério da Saúde, entre 1991 e 2001, provenientes do Estado de São Paulo. Os casos foram estratificados em municípios de residência, em regiões de saúde, em categorias de transmissão de Aids, em sexos e em anos do diagnóstico. Um modelo geoestatístico gaussiano foi usado para construir um mapa temático de risco, utilizando a incidência de tuberculose em casos de Aids como variável de resposta. RESULTADOS: A análise exploratória mostrou dois padrões de incidência de Aids: um, para a capital do Estado, e outro, com risco crescente, para os outros municípios. As regiões mais populosas estão sob maiores riscos de transmissão de tuberculose, mostrando um padrão concordante com o padrão de ocupação do território, do leste para o oeste. As regiões de saúde com os maiores coeficientes de incidência de Aids (por 10 mil habitantes) foram Santos (53,5), São José do Rio Preto (43,1), Ribeirão Preto (42,4) e São Paulo (40,3). As regiões de saúde com maiores incidências de tuberculose em casos de Aids foram Santos (44,9%), Franco da Rocha (39,9%), Osasco (39,6%) e São Paulo (38,9%). CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados permitem concluir que as coordenadas geográficas estão associadas ao risco da tuberculose, mas não de Aids.
Parasitas gastrointestinais em cães institucionalizados no Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Authors: Vasconcellos Mauricio Carvalho de , Barros Juliana São Luiz de , Oliveira Cristiane Silva de
Published: April 2006

Foi estudada a ocorrência de parasitas gastrointestinais em cães recolhidos e mantidos em instituto público de medicina veterinária no Rio de Janeiro, RJ. Amostras de fezes frescas foram coletadas em março de 2004 e analisadas pelos métodos de flutuação de Willis e centrífugo-flutuação em solução de sacarose. De 204 amostras, 45,6% estavam positivas para helmintos gastrointestinais.
Phlebotomine fauna in a rural area of the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Braga-Miranda Lourdislene Costa , Miranda Marcos , Galati Eunice A Bianchi
Published: April 2006

The aim of the study was to identify among the phlebotomine fauna potential leishmaniasis vectors. The study was carried out in Corumbá county, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Mid-West Brazil (18º59'S, 56º39'W). Sand fly captures were undertaken fortnightly with automatic light traps at 11 sites in forested environments and anthropic areas from April 2001 to July 2003. A total of only 41 specimens were captured. Thirty-one percent of the specimens were captured in forests and 68.3% in anthropic areas. The predominance of non-anthropophilic groups and the low density of N. whitmani, a known cutaneous leishmaniasis vector, does not seem to indicate any actual risk of the transmission of this disease in the study area.