bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The many faces of the YopM effector from plague causative bacterium Yersinia pestis and its implications for host immune modulation
Authors: Soundararajan Venkataramanan , Patel Neel , Subramanian Vidya , Sasisekharan Viswanathan , Sasisekharan Ram
Published: August 2010

The Yersinia outer protein (Yop) M effector from the Yersinia pestis bacterium is well-known for being a critical virulence determinant; however, structural insight vis-à-vis its role in Y. pestis pathogenesis has been elusive. Here, we investigate the intact sequence of the YopM protein through our recently developed fold identification and homology modeling tools, and analyze the immune modulatory potential of its constituent domains. We identify a putative novel E3 ligase (NEL) domain towards the C-terminal tail of YopM and characterize its active site, to show that YopM could function as an autoregulated bacterial type E3 ubiquitin ligase. We further identify unreported NEL domains in several other bacteria and note remarkable similarity in sequence, structure, surface, and electrostatics for the family of NEL-containing bacterial effectors that suggests conserved function and potentially similar host targets for these proteins. Based on these observations and recent empirical evidence for degradation of the human proteins HLA-DR, thioredoxin, and NEMO/IKKγ by other members of the NEL-containing bacterial family, we discuss the potential for YopM to modulate a wide spectrum of immune signal transduction pathways. The key immune modulatory effects highlighted are suppression of MHC class II antigen presentation, dampening of nuclear factor (NF)-κB mediated inflammatory response, and intonation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling. Additionally, our analysis of the modeled YopM LRR domain reveals structural features akin to the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) LRR motif. We propose that YopM LRR could be a ‘molecular mimic’ of TLR4 LRR, permitting reduced immunogenicity and potentially mitigating bacterial lipopolysaccharide surveillance of the innate immune system. Our identification and characterization of the YopM NEL domain, taken together with our analysis of the YopM LRR domain, provides plausible insight into subversion of host immunity by Y. pestis YopM and perhaps could set the stage for design of new therapeutic opportunities.
Microstructure and complex magnetic permeability of thermally sprayed NiZn ferrite coatings for electromagnetic wave absorbers
Authors: Brühl M. , Zhang D. , Talaka T. , Weil C. , Linden I. , Bobzin K. , Ilyuschencko A. , McCartney D. G. , Yellup J. Y.
Published: August 2010

Ferrites are iron containing, non-conducting ceramics, which exhibit magnetic properties. One of the most common is (Ni,Zn)1Fe2O4. Bulk ferrites are typically made by conventional ceramic sintering. However, manufacture of thick coatings is of growing interest, and deposition by thermal spraying is potentially attractive. The present paper reports work on the development of (Ni0·549Zn0·333Co0·028Mn0·049)O0·958Fe2O3 based powder feedstock by self-propagating high temperature synthesis and coating deposition by both air plasma and high velocity oxy-fuel spraying. The results obtained show that some decomposition of the ferrite material occurred with the loss of zinc and oxygen. The Zn loss is dependent to a large extent on the surface/volume ratio of the powder used in spray deposition. The influence of the spraying technique on the electromagnetic properties was also measured and compared to bulk ferrite materials. The air plasma sprayed coatings showed similar absorption coefficient compared to the bulk ferrite material at high frequencies (∼3 GHz).
Dendritic cells modulate platelet activity in IVIg-mediated amelioration of ITP in mice
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Shun , Sun Der-Shan , Lien Te-Sheng , Chang Hsin-Hou
Published: August 2010

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is an effective treatment against immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). Previous studies suggested that IVIg exerts this ameliorative role through 2 different leukocyte subsets. Dendritic cells (DCs) modulate the immunosuppression in an adoptive cell transfer model, and phagocytes up-regulate their inhibitory IgG Fc receptors (FcγR)IIB expression and thereby ameliorate the inflammatory response and platelet clearance. However, whether or not regulatory mechanisms exist among DCs, phagocytes, and platelets is still largely unknown. In this study we present findings that IVIg-primed splenic CD11c+ DCs (IVIg-DCs) primarily mediate their anti-inflammatory effects at the level of the platelet rather than the phagocyte. IVIg-DCs did not ameliorate ITP in Fcgr2b−/−, Fcgr3−/−, nor P-Selp−/− mice, implicating the potential involvement of these pathways in IVIg action. As platelets are a component of DC regulatory circuits, these findings may suggest an alternative perspective for the use of IVIg treatment.
TWIST1 promotes invasion through mesenchymal change in human glioblastoma
Authors: Mikheeva Svetlana A , Mikheev Andrei M , Petit Audrey , Beyer Richard , Oxford Robert G , Khorasani Leila , Maxwell John-Patrick , Glackin Carlotta A , Wakimoto Hiroaki , González-Herrero Inés , Sánchez-García Isidro , Silber John R , Horner Philip J , Rostomily Robert C
Published: August 2010

Background

Tumor cell invasion into adjacent normal brain is a mesenchymal feature of GBM and a major factor contributing to their dismal outcomes. Therefore, better understandings of mechanisms that promote mesenchymal change in GBM are of great clinical importance to address invasion. We previously showed that the bHLH transcription factor TWIST1 which orchestrates carcinoma metastasis through an epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is upregulated in GBM and promotes invasion of the SF767 GBM cell line in vitro.

Results

To further define TWIST1 functions in GBM we tested the impact of TWIST1 over-expression on invasion in vivo and its impact on gene expression. We found that TWIST1 significantly increased SNB19 and T98G cell line invasion in orthotopic xenotransplants and increased expression of genes in functional categories associated with adhesion, extracellular matrix proteins, cell motility and locomotion, cell migration and actin cytoskeleton organization. Consistent with this TWIST1 reduced cell aggregation, promoted actin cytoskeletal re-organization and enhanced migration and adhesion to fibronectin substrates. Individual genes upregulated by TWIST1 known to promote EMT and/or GBM invasion included SNAI2, MMP2, HGF, FAP and FN1. Distinct from carcinoma EMT, TWIST1 did not generate an E- to N-cadherin "switch" in GBM cell lines. The clinical relevance of putative TWIST target genes SNAI2 and fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAP) identified in vitro was confirmed by their highly correlated expression with TWIST1 in 39 human tumors. The potential therapeutic importance of inhibiting TWIST1 was also shown through a decrease in cell invasion in vitro and growth of GBM stem cells.

Conclusions

Together these studies demonstrated that TWIST1 enhances GBM invasion in concert with mesenchymal change not involving the canonical cadherin switch of carcinoma EMT. Given the recent recognition that mesenchymal change in GBMs is associated with increased malignancy, these findings support the potential therapeutic importance of strategies to subvert TWIST1-mediated mesenchymal change.
No evidence for XMRV association in pediatric idiopathic diseases in France
Authors: Jeziorski Eric , Foulongne Vincent , Ludwig Catherine , Louhaem Djamel , Chiocchia Gilles , Segondy Michel , Rodière Michel , Sitbon Marc , Courgnaud Valérie
Published: August 2010

Retroviruses have been linked to a variety of diseases such as neoplastic and immunodeficiency disorders and neurologic and respiratory diseases. Recently, a novel infectious human retrovirus, the xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV), has been identified in cohorts of patients with either a familial type of prostate cancer or chronic fatigue syndrome. The apparent unrelatedness of these diseases raised the question of the potential involvement of XMRV in other diseases.

Here, we investigated the presence of XMRV in a selection of pediatric idiopathic infectious diseases with symptoms that are suggestive of a retroviral infection, as well as in children with respiratory diseases and in adult patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Using a XMRVenv-nested PCR, we screened 72 DNA samples obtained from 62 children hospitalized in the Montpellier university hospital (France) for hematological, neurological or inflammatory pathologies, 80 DNA samples from nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with respiratory diseases and 19 DNA samples from SpA. None of the samples tested was positive for XMRV or MLV-likeenvsequences, indicating that XMRV is not involved in these pathologies.
Cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CSE1L/CAS) protein in cancer metastasis and chemotherapeutic drug-induced apoptosis
Authors: Tai Cheng-Jeng , Hsu Chung-Huei , Shen Shing-Chuan , Lee Woan-Ruoh , Jiang Ming-Chung
Published: August 2010

The cellular apoptosis susceptibility (CSE1L/CAS) protein is highly expressed in cancer, and its expression is positively correlated with high cancer stage, high cancer grade, and worse outcomes of patients. CSE1L (or CAS) regulates chemotherapeutic drug-induced cancer cell apoptosis and may play important roles in mediating the cytotoxicities of chemotherapeutic drugs against cancer cells in cancer chemotherapy. CSE1L was originally regarded as a proliferation-associated protein and was thought to regulate the proliferation of cancer cells in cancer progression. However, the results of experimental studies showed that enhanced CSE1L expression is unable to increase proliferation of cancer cells and CSE1L regulates invasion and metastasis but not proliferation of cancer cells. Recent studies revealed that CSE1L is a secretory protein, and there is a higher prevalence of secretory CSE1L in the sera of patients with metastatic cancer. Therefore, CSE1L may be a useful serological marker for screening, diagnosis and prognosis, assessment of therapeutic responses, and monitoring for recurrence of cancer. In this paper, we review the expression of CSE1L in cancer and discuss why CSE1L regulates the invasion and metastasis rather than the proliferation of cancer.
The use of exenatide in severely burned pediatric patients
Authors: Mecott Gabriel A , Herndon David N , Kulp Gabriela A , Brooks Natasha C , Al-Mousawi Ahmed M , Kraft Robert , Rivero Haidy G , Williams Felicia N , Branski Ludwik K , Jeschke Marc G
Published: August 2010

Introduction

Intensive insulin treatment (IIT) has been shown to improve outcomes post-burn in severely burnt patients. However, it increases the incidence of hypoglycemia and is associated with risks and complications. We hypothesized that exenatide would decrease plasma glucose levels post-burn to levels similar to those achieved with IIT, and reduce the amount of exogenous insulin administered.

Methods

This open-label study included 24 severely burned pediatric patients. Six were randomized to receive exenatide, and 18 received IIT during acute hospitalization (block randomization). Exenatide and insulin were administered to maintain glucose levels between 80 and 140 mg/dl. We determined 6 AM, daily average, maximum and minimum glucose levels. Variability was determined using mean amplitude of glucose excursions (MAGE) and percentage of coefficient of variability. The amount of administered insulin was compared in both groups.

Results

Glucose values and variability were similar in both groups: Daily average was 130 ± 28 mg/dl in the intervention group and 138 ± 25 mg/dl in the control group (P = 0.31), MAGE 41 ± 6 vs. 45 ± 12 (respectively). However, administered insulin was significantly lower in the exenatide group than in the IIT group: 22 ± 14 IU patients/day in the intervention group and 76 ± 11 IU patients/day in the control group (P = 0.01). The incidence rate of hypoglycemia was similar in both groups (0.38 events/patient-month).

Conclusions

Patients receiving exenatide received significantly lower amounts of exogenous insulin to control plasma glucose levels. Exenatide was well tolerated and potentially represents a novel agent to attenuate hyperglycemia in the critical care setting.

Trial registration

NCT00673309.
Cloud-scale RNA-sequencing differential expression analysis with Myrna
Authors: Langmead Ben , Hansen Kasper D , Leek Jeffrey T
Published: August 2010

As sequencing throughput approaches dozens of gigabases per day, there is a growing need for efficient software for analysis of transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) data. Myrna is a cloud-computing pipeline for calculating differential gene expression in large RNA-Seq datasets. We apply Myrna to the analysis of publicly available data sets and assess the goodness of fit of standard statistical models. Myrna is available from http://bowtie-bio.sf.net/myrna.
14-3-3σ associates with cell surface aminopeptidase N in the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-1
Authors: Ghaffari Abdi , Li Yunyaun , Kilani Ruhangiz T. , Ghahary Aziz
Published: August 2010

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are implicated in the degradation of the extracellular matrix during development and tissue repair, as well as in pathological conditions such as tumor invasion and fibrosis. MMP expression by stromal cells is partly regulated by signals from the neighboring epithelial cells. Keratinocyte-releasable 14-3-3σ, or stratifin, acts as a potent MMP-1-stimulatory factor in fibroblasts. However, its mechanism of transmembrane signaling remains unknown. Ectodomain biotin labeling, serial affinity purification and mass spectroscopy analysis revealed that the stratifin associates with aminopeptidase N (APN), or CD13, at the cell surface. The transient knockdown of APN in fibroblasts eliminated the stratifin-mediated p38 MAP kinase activation and MMP-1 expression, implicating APN in a receptor-mediated transmembrane signaling event. Stratifin deletion studies implicated its C-terminus as a potential APN-binding site. Furthermore, the dephosphorylation of APN ectodomains reduced its binding affinity to the stratifin. The presence of a phosphorylated serine or threonine residue in APN has been implicated. Together, these findings provide evidence that APN is a novel cell surface receptor for stratifin and a potential target in the regulation of MMP-1 expression in epithelial–stromal cell communication.
Analyzing the Relationship Between Organic and Sponsored Search Advertising: Positive, Negative, or Zero Interdependence?
Authors: Yang Sha , Ghose Anindya
Published: August 2010

The phenomenon of paid search advertising has now become the most predominant form of online advertising in the marketing world. However, we have little understanding of the impact of search engine advertising on consumers' responses in the presence of organic listings of the same firms. In this paper, we model and estimate the interrelationship between organic search listings and paid search advertisements. We use a unique panel data set based on aggregate consumer response to several hundred keywords over a three-month period collected from a major nationwide retailer store chain that advertises on Google. In particular, we focus on understanding whether the presence of organic listings on a search engine is associated with a positive, a negative, or no effect on the click-through rates of paid search advertisements, and vice versa for a given firm. We first build an integrated model to estimate the relationship between different metrics such as search volume, click-through rates, conversion rates, cost per click, and keyword ranks. A hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework is used and the model is estimated using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods. Our empirical findings suggest that click-throughs on organic listings have a positive interdependence with click-throughs on paid listings, and vice versa. We also find that this positive interdependence is asymmetric such that the impact of organic clicks on increases in utility from paid clicks is 3.5 times stronger than the impact of paid clicks on increases in utility from organic clicks. Using counterfactual experiments, we show that on an average this positive interdependence leads to an increase in expected profits for the firm ranging from 4.2% to 6.15% when compared to profits in the absence of this interdependence. To further validate our empirical results, we also conduct and present the results from a controlled field experiment. This experiment shows that total click-through rates, conversions rates, and revenues in the presence of both paid and organic search listings are significantly higher than those in the absence of paid search advertisements. The results predicted by the econometric model are also corroborated in this field experiment, which suggests a causal interpretation to the positive interdependence between paid and organic search listings. Given the increased spending on search engine-based advertising, our analysis provides critical insights to managers in both traditional and Internet firms.
Predictors of situational disengagement in the academic setting: The contribution of grades, perceived competence, and academic motivation
Authors: Stephan Yannick , Caudroit Johan , Boiché Julie , Sarrazin Philippe
Published: August 2010

Background. Although psychological disengagement is a well‐documented phenomenon in the academic setting, the attempts to identify its predictors are scarce. In addition, existing research has mainly focused on chronic disengagement and less is known on the determinants of situational disengagement.

Aims. The purpose of the present study was to identify the predictors of situational disengagement in a physical education (PE) setting. In line with the core postulate of psychological disengagement, it was hypothesized that grades contribute to discounting through a decrease in perceived competence. Drawing upon self‐determination theory, it was also expected that devaluing reflects the motivational orientations of individuals.

Sample. A total of 120 students who were in seventh, eighth, and ninth grades.

Method. Students were asked to report their motivation towards PE and their perceived competence at the beginning of a 10‐week cycle. Perceived competence in PE and psychological disengagement were assessed at the end of cycle, after grades were communicated individually to each student.

Results. The results revealed that grades significantly predicted discounting, through perceived competence, but did not predict devaluing. Devaluing was negatively predicted by integrated and identified regulations, and positively predicted by amotivation, whereas no motivational variables were related to discounting.

Conclusion. The present study extends the core postulate of psychological disengagement to situational disengagement. It revealed that students may temporarily disengage their self‐esteem from performance feedback through discounting, but are less inclined to devalue the academic domain when faced with negative feedback in a particular situation because of their motivational orientations.
Excess Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase Subunit Synthesis and Activity as a Novel Therapeutic Target in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Gross Christina , Nakamoto Mika , Yao Xiaodi , Chan Chi-Bun , Yim So Y. , Ye Keqiang , Warren Stephen T. , Bassell Gary J.
Published: August 2010

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an inherited neurologic disease caused by loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), which is hypothesized to mediate negative regulation of mRNA translation at synapses. A prominent feature of FXS animal models is exaggerated signaling through group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptors (gp1 mGluRs), and therapeutic strategies to treat FXS are targeted mainly at gp1 mGluRs. Recent studies, however, indicate that a variety of receptor-mediated signal transduction pathways are dysregulated in FXS, suggesting that FMRP acts on a common downstream signaling molecule. Here, we show that deficiency of FMRP results in excess activity of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), a downstream signaling molecule of many cell surface receptors. InFmr1knock-out neurons, excess synaptic PI3K activity can be reduced by perturbation of gp1 mGluR-mediated signaling. Remarkably, increased PI3K activity was also observed in FMRP-deficient non-neuronal cells in the absence of gp1 mGluRs. Here, we show that FMRP regulates the synthesis and synaptic localization of p110β, the catalytic subunit of PI3K. In wild type, gp1 mGluR activation induces p110β translation, p110β protein expression, and PI3K activity. In contrast, both p110β protein synthesis and PI3K activity are elevated and insensitive to gp1 mGluR stimulation inFmr1knock-out. This suggests that dysregulated PI3K signaling may underlie the synaptic impairments in FXS. In support of this hypothesis, we show that PI3K antagonists rescue three FXS-associated phenotypes: dysregulated synaptic protein synthesis, excess AMPA receptor internalization, and increased spine density. Targeting excessive PI3K activity might thus be a potent therapeutic strategy for FXS.
Cholesterol Defect Is Marked across Multiple Rodent Models of Huntington's Disease and Is Manifest in Astrocytes
Authors: Valenza Marta , Leoni Valerio , Karasinska Joanna M. , Petricca Lara , Fan Jianjia , Carroll Jeffrey , Pouladi Mahmoud A. , Fossale Elisa , Nguyen Huu Phuc , Riess Olaf , MacDonald Marcy , Wellington Cheryl , DiDonato Stefano , Hayden Michael , Cattaneo Elena
Published: August 2010

Brain cholesterol, which is synthesized locally, is a major component of myelin and cell membranes and participates in neuronal functions, such as membrane trafficking, signal transduction, neurotransmitter release, and synaptogenesis. Here we show that brain cholesterol biosynthesis is reduced in multiple transgenic and knock-in Huntington's disease (HD) rodent models, arguably dependent on deficits in mutant astrocytes. Mice carrying a progressively increased number of CAG repeats show a more evident reduction in cholesterol biosynthesis. In postnatal life, the cholesterol-dependent activities of neurons mainly rely on the transport of cholesterol from astrocytes on ApoE-containing particles. Our data show that mRNA levels of cholesterol biosynthesis and efflux genes are severely reduced in primary HD astrocytes, along with impaired cellular production and secretion of ApoE. Consistently, in CSF of HD mice, ApoE is mostly associated with smaller lipoproteins, indicating reduced cholesterol transport on ApoE-containing lipoproteins circulating in the HD brain. These findings indicate that cholesterol defect is robustly marked in HD animals, implying that strategies aimed at selectively modulating brain cholesterol metabolism might be of therapeutic significance.
DrosophilaLarvae Establish Appetitive Olfactory Memories via Mushroom Body Neurons of Embryonic Origin
Authors: Pauls Dennis , Selcho Mareike , Gendre Nanae , Stocker Reinhard F. , Thum Andreas S.
Published: August 2010

Insect mushroom bodies are required for diverse behavioral functions, including odor learning and memory. Using the numerically simple olfactory pathway of theDrosophila melanogasterlarva, we provide evidence that the formation of appetitive olfactory associations relies on embryonic-born intrinsic mushroom body neurons (Kenyon cells). The participation of larval-born Kenyon cells, i.e., neurons that become gradually integrated in the developing mushroom body during larval life, in this task is unlikely. These data provide important insights into how a small set of identified Kenyon cells can store and integrate olfactory information in a developing brain. To investigate possible functional subdivisions of the larval mushroom body, we anatomically disentangle its input and output neurons at the single-cell level. Based on this approach, we define 10 subdomains of the larval mushroom body that may be implicated in mediating specific interactions between the olfactory pathway, modulatory neurons, and neuronal output.
Intralaminar and Interlaminar Activity within the Rodent Superior Colliculus Visualized with Voltage Imaging
Authors: Vokoun Corinne R. , Jackson Meyer B. , Basso Michele A.
Published: August 2010

The superior colliculus (SC) is a midbrain structure that plays a role in converting sensation into action. Most SC research focuses on eitherin vivoextracellular recordings from behaving monkeys or patch-clamp recordings from smaller mammalsin vitro. However, the activity of neuronal circuits is necessary to generate behavior, and neither of these approaches measures the simultaneous activity of large populations of neurons that make up circuits. Here, we describe experiments in which we measured changes in membrane potential across the SC map using voltage imaging of the rat SCin vitro. Our results provide the first high temporal and spatial resolution images of activity within the SC. Electrical stimulation of the SC evoked a characteristic two-component optical response containing a short latency initial-spike and a longer latency after-depolarization. Single-pulse stimulation in the superficial SC evoked a pattern of intralaminar and interlaminar spread that was distinct from the spread evoked by the same stimulus applied to the intermediate SC. Intermediate layer stimulation produced a more extensive and more ventrally located activation of the superficial layers than did stimulation in the superficial SC. Together, these results indicate the recruitment of dissimilar subpopulations of circuitry depending on the layer stimulated. Field potential recordings, pharmacological manipulations, and timing analyses indicate that the patterns of activity were physiologically relevant and largely synaptically driven. Therefore, voltage imaging is a powerful technique for the study of spatiotemporal dynamics of electrical signaling across neuronal populations, providing insight into neural circuits that underlie behavior.
Nicotine Blocks the Hyperpolarization-Activated CurrentIhand Severely Impairs the Oscillatory Behavior of Oriens-Lacunosum Moleculare Interneurons
Authors: Griguoli Marilena , Maul Alena , Nguyen Chuong , Giorgetti Alejandro , Carloni Paolo , Cherubini Enrico
Published: August 2010

In the brain, high cognitive functions are encoded by coherent network oscillations. Key players are inhibitory interneurons that, by releasing GABA into principal cells, pace targeted cells. Among these, oriens-lacunosum moleculare (O-LM) interneurons that provide a theta frequency patterned output to distal dendrites of pyramidal cells are endowed with HCN channels responsible for the slowly activating inwardly rectifyingIhcurrent and their pacemaking activity. Here we show that, in transgenic mice expressing EGFP (enhanced green fluorescent protein) in a subset of stratum oriens somatostatin-containing interneurons that mostly comprise O-LM cells, nicotine, the active component of tobacco, reducedIhand the oscillatory behavior of O-LM interneurons. In cells hyperpolarized at −90 mV, nicotine suppressed the theta resonance in the same way as ZD 7288 (4-ethylphenylamino-1,2-dimethyl-6-methylaminopyrimidinium chloride), a selective blocker ofIh. Nicotine blockedIhin a concentration-dependent way with an EC50of 62 nm. Similar effects were produced by epibatidine, a structural analog of nicotine. The effects of nicotine and epibatidine were independent on nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) activation because they persisted in the presence of nAChR antagonists. Furthermore, nicotine slowed down the interspike depolarizing slope and the firing rate, thus severely disrupting the oscillatory behavior of O-LM cells. Molecular modeling suggests that, similarly to ZD 7288, nicotine and epibatidine directly bind to the inner pore of the HCN channels. It is therefore likely that nicotine severely influences rhythmogenesis and high cognitive functions in smokers.
Transferred Malice and Transferred Defenses: A Critique of the Traditional Doctrine and Arguments for a Change in Paradigm
Authors: Bohlander Michael
Published: August 2010

The aim of this paper is first to focus on analyzing the existing judicial authorities on the matter of transferred malice and the transfer of defenses as well as the academic commentary, firstly within English law and secondly in comparative law research. It will then try to address the underlying structural issues of the transferred malice doctrine to find out whether the current English and Welsh approach is defensible or in need of rethinking: in other words, whether the stress on the idea of a "transfer" is really appropriate and helpful or rather misleading, and what the consequences of a departure from the idea of a transfer of intent are for the transfer of defenses. The human rights impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 and the state's corresponding duty to protect the rights of its citizens by means of an adequate provision and application of the criminal law will come into play as well. Given the additional issues surrounding independent but contributing human agency, this paper will not address the transferred malice scenarios that arise in complicity cases.
Early marginal ulcer following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass under proton pump inhibitor treatment: prospective multicentric study
Authors: Garrido Jr. Arthur Belarmino , Rossi Marçal , Lima Jr. Sizenando Ernesto , Brenner Antonio Sérgio , Gomes Jr Claudio Antonio Rufino
Published: August 2010

CONTEXT: Causal factors of gastrojejunal ulcers after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass include peptic acid secretion from the gastric pouch. Esomeprazole is a potent inhibitor of acid secretion. OBJECTIVE: To assess the occurrence of dyspepsia and gastrojejunal ulcers within the first 2 months after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass during the use of esomeprazole. METHODS: One hundred eighteen morbid obese subjects were submitted to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Preoperative upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy was negative for H. pylori. All subjects received esomeprazole for 60 days after surgery. RESULTS: Two weeks after surgery only 13 mild symptoms were reported. After 2 months, 17 also moderate complaints were registered. Endoscopy around the 60th day showed esophagitis in 10 (8.5%), hiatal hernia in 2 (1.7%), foreign body in the anastomotic line in 12 (10.2%) and gastrojejunal ulcers was observed in 9 (7.6%) subjects, 2 of which had a suture material or metallic staple granuloma in the gastrojejunostomy. Ten subjects took nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least once during study, but none of them developed ulcer. None of the subjects with ulcer had dyspeptic symptoms. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ulcer in the gastrojejunal anastomosis within the first 2 months following Rouxen-Y gastric bypass under proton pump inhibitors is considerable. It was not related to the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, highlighting the possibility of ischemia and foreign body as causal factors. The ulcers were asymptomatic, and all post-surgical dyspeptic symptoms were moderate in severity.
Evaluation of the nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score for patients undergoing bariatric surgery
Authors: Pimentel Silvania Klug , Strobel Rodrigo , Gonçalves Carolina Gomes , Sakamoto Danielle Giacometti , Ivano Flávio Heuta , Coelho Júlio Cezar Uili
Published: August 2010

CONTEXT: Morbidly obese patients have an increased risk for nonalcoholic fat liver disease. Its severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may cause liver fibrosis. The diagnosis of advanced fibrosis has great value during the pre operative evaluation for bariatric surgery. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score in morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in our population. METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight morbidly obese patients that had undergone bariatric surgery were included. Age, body mass index, hyperglycemia, platelet count, albumin and AST/ALT ratio were applied to the score formula. Scores above 0.676 were indicative of advanced liver fibrosis and scores under -1,455 absence of advanced liver fibrosis. These scores were compared to liver biopsy findings. RESULTS: The presence of advanced fibrosis could be diagnosed with good accuracy, with a positive predictive value of 83.7%. The score had a higher accuracy to exclude advanced fibrosis with a negative predictive value of 97%. Twenty-five patients (16%) had scores between the cutoffs points and were identified as indeterminate. The score sensibility and specificity was 83% and 97% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score has high accuracy to identify and exclude advanced liver fibrosis in morbidly obese patients subjected to bariatric surgery.
Associação entre gradiente de pressão portal e ascite em pacientes com cirrose
Authors: Dittrich Sirlei , Mattos Angelo Alves de , Mattos Ângelo Zambam de , Alves Alexandro Vaesken , Araújo Fernanda Branco de
Published: August 2010

CONTEXTO: A hipertensão portal exerce papel importante na patogênese da ascite. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o gradiente de pressão venosa hepática e a presença de ascite em pacientes com cirrose. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 83 pacientes com cirrose. Todos os doentes realizaram estudo ecográfico para a identificação de ascite e foram submetidos a estudo hemodinâmico hepático para determinação do gradiente de pressão venosa hepática. RESULTADOS: Na população avaliada, observou-se ascite em 70 doentes (84,3%), sendo que a média geral do gradiente de pressão venosa hepática foi de 15,26 ± 6,46 mm Hg. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante (P = 0,061) quando avaliadas as médias do gradiente de pressão venosa hepática nos pacientes com (14,70 ± 6,43 mm Hg) e sem ascite (18,64 ± 5,78 mm Hg). Ao ser utilizado nível de corte de 8 mm Hg, para se avaliar o risco do desenvolvimento de ascite, observou-se que nos pacientes que apresentaram o gradiente de pressão venosa hepática superior a 8 mm Hg, o risco relativo do desenvolvimento de ascite foi de 0,876 (0,74-1,03), P = 0,446. CONCLUSÃO: Nível pressórico de 8 mm Hg, determinado pelo gradiente de pressão venosa hepática, não define a presença ou ausência de ascite no paciente cirrótico e, tendo em vista a similitude das médias de pressão dos pacientes com e sem derrame peritonial, não se pode definir um ponto de corte para o surgimento de tal complicação.
Cuba após a Guerra Fria: mudanças econômicas, nova agenda diplomática e o limitado diálogo com os EUA
Authors: Santoro Maurício
Published: August 2010

Cuba passou por muitas transformações após a Guerra Fria. A economia está mais diversificada e o país logrou escapar do isolamento internacional, estabelecendo parcerias com China, União Européia e América Latina. Além disso, a transformação na comunidade cubano-americana coloca em posições de influência ativistas mais jovens, com maior disposição para o diálogo com os Estados Unidos, inclusive em temas comerciais. Contudo, é difícil que as negociações avancem em pontos controversos, pela relutância de Havana em liberalizar o regime político.
A gestão do desenvolvimento local no Brasil: (des)articulação de atores, instrumentos e território
Authors: Martins Rafael D'Almeida , Vaz José Carlos , Caldas Eduardo de Lima
Published: August 2010

As ideias de desenvolvimento local são controversas, pouco consensuadas e, às vezes, até antagônicas entre si, tanto no Brasil quanto no debate internacional. Diante dessa polêmica, este artigo discute a gestão do desenvolvimento local a partir de instrumentos selecionados por meio de uma análise exploratória não apenas conceitual e teórica, mas sobretudo prática. Do ponto de vista metodológico, foi realizada uma análise comparada de experiências regionalmente distribuídas, levando-se em conta suas inserções em redes sociais e seus resultados econômicos na região em que está inserida (Sul, Sudeste e Nordeste). Percebe-se que refletir sobre o desenvolvimento local desdobra-se em duas frentes: uma de reprodução da lógica capitalista em escala localizada (tradicional) e outra de tentativas contra-hegemônicas (solidária). Assim, algumas questões centrais foram identificadas para orientar uma reflexão sobre a intervenção dos atores da sociedade civil e dos governos na formulação de propostas e iniciativas de desenvolvimento econômico local.
Efeito da centrifugação e do líquido prostático homólogo na criopreservação de espermatozoides epididimários caninos
Authors: Melo M.I.V. , Oliveira J.V.S. , Valle G.R. , Rachid M.A. , Soares F.C.G. , Matos J.J.R.T.
Published: August 2010

Realizaram-se dois experimentos de criopreservação de espermatozoides epididimários caninos, investigando-se o efeito da centrifugação e da adição do líquido prostático sobre as características físicas do espermatozoide pós-descongelação. No experimento I, foi testado o efeito da centrifugação. As amostras congeladas sem centrifugação apresentaram pós-descongelação: motilidade total (MT) de 26,7±21,2%, motilidade progressiva (MP) de 21,2±20,1% e vigor espermático (V) de 2,2±1,3, e as congeladas após a centrifugação: MT de 23,9±17,9%, MP de 20,6±17,4% e V de 2,2±1,0. No teste de termorresistência, o período médio de duração com MT mínima de 10% foi de 165±21,2 minutos sem centrifugação e de 77,5±63,6 minutos para as centrifugadas, indicando maior longevidade espermática das amostras não centrifugadas. No experimento II, foi avaliado o efeito da adição de líquido prostático homólogo no meio diluidor. As amostras congeladas sem líquido prostático no meio diluidor apresentaram MT de 13,3±13,1%, MP de 10,9±11,4% e V de 2,1±1,2, e as congeladas com líquido prostático MT de 14,1±12,6%, MP de 12,2±11,6% e V de 2,2±1,3. Os resultados sugerem que a centrifugação e a adição de 10% de líquido prostático ao diluidor não tiveram efeito sobre as características físicas do espermatozoide epididimário canino pós-descongelamento.
Effect of deslorelin on the induction of estrus in anestrous bitches
Authors: Lanna L.L. , Marques Jr. A.P. , Douglas R.H.
Published: August 2010

The efficacy of one or multiple doses of an injectable formulation of deslorelin (a GnRH agonist) was evaluated to induce estrus in anestrous bitches. Thirteen animals composed three groups: group 1 (n=5, single IM injection of 2mg deslorelin), group 2 (n=5, four IM injections of 2mg deslorelin in alternate days), and control group (n=3, four IM saline injections in alternate days). Daily clinical evaluations, sexual behavior, vaginal cytology, plasma progesterone concentration, ovaryhysterectomy and macroscopic evaluation of the uterus and ovaries were done. In group 1, none of the bitches showed signs of estrus, while two developed clinical signs and vaginal cytology of proestrus. In group 2, all animals presented proestrus, four presented estrus, and three ovulated; resulting in a functional corpus luteum and high progesterone concentration until day 25 of diestrus, when ovaryhysterectomy was performed. The duration of the stages of deslorelin induced cycles and the progesterone profile were similar to those described in the literature, and no side effects were observed. In conclusion, injectable formulation of deslorelin in multiple injections was effective to induce fertile estrus in anestrous bitches.
Efeitos do extrato da parede de levedura na digestibilidade, no escore fecal e na palatabilidade de dietas para gatos
Authors: Aquino A.A. , Saad F.M.O.B. , Santos J.P.F. , Alves M.P. , Ferrazza R.A. , Miranda M.C.M.G.
Published: August 2010

Para avaliar o efeito do extrato seco da parede de levedura (EPL) sobre a digestibilidade, o escore fecal e a palatabilidade de dietas para gatos, foram realizados três ensaios experimentais. No primeiro, 20 animais adultos foram distribuídos ao acaso em quatro tratamentos: dieta comercial úmida (controle) e dieta-controle + 0,2, ou dieta-controle + 0,4 ou dieta-controle + 0,6% de EPL na matéria seca. No segundo, utilizaram-se alimento seco e as mesmas proporções com o mesmo delineamento do primeiro experimento. No ensaio 3, de palatabilidade, 20 gatos adultos receberam simultaneamente dieta comercial úmida sem e com a inclusão de 0,4% de EPL. No experimento 1, não foram observadas diferenças quanto à digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, matéria orgânica e energia bruta, assim como no escore fecal; no segundo, houve aumento linear (P<0,46) no coeficiente de digestibilidade da matéria seca, e, no terceiro, observou-se efeito negativo da inclusão de 0,4% sobre a palatabilidade da dieta (P<0,004). Conclui-se que a inclusão de EPL em dietas úmidas não influi na digestibilidade, mas pode comprometer a palatabilidade, e que em dietas secas há melhora da digestibilidade da matéria seca.
Estimação de parâmetros genéticos para características produtivas em búfalos na Amazônia Oriental
Authors: Rodrigues A.E. , Marques J.R.F. , Araújo C.V. , Camargo Júnior R.N.C. , Dias L.N.S.
Published: August 2010

Dados de 1.182 registros de produção de fêmeas bubalinas da raça Murrah e seus mestiços, parindo no período de 1967 a 2005, foram utilizados para estimação de parâmetros genéticos utilizando-se o método de máxima verossimilhança restrita. O modelo animal utilizado para estimação de componentes de variância incluiu os efeitos fixos de rebanho, ano e época de parto, ordem de parto e duração da lactação e os efeitos aleatórios do animal, e ambiente permanente e temporário. As estimativas de herdabilidade foram 0,25, 0,18, 0,08 e 0,09, para produção de leite, produção de gordura, duração da lactação e produção de leite por dia de intervalo de parto, respectivamente. As estimativas de repetibilidade foram 0,33, 0,29 e 0,10 para produção de leite, produção de gordura e duração da lactação, respectivamente. As correlações genéticas entre produções de leite e gordura, produção de leite com duração da lactação, produção de leite com produção de leite por dia de intervalo de partos, produção da gordura com duração da lactação, produção de gordura com produção de leite por dia de intervalo de partos e duração da lactação com produção de leite por dia de intervalo de partos foram 0,93; 0,76; 0,99; 0,89; 0,87 e -0,27, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstram que ganhos genéticos podem ser obtidos pela seleção das produções de leite e gordura.
Pinnulariaceae (Bacillariophyceae) do rio Guaraguaçu, bacia hidrográfica litorânea paranaense, Brasil
Authors: Tremarin Priscila Izabel , Moreira-Filho Hermes , Ludwig Thelma Alvim Veiga
Published: August 2010

O estudo das Pinnulariaceae do rio Guaraguaçu baseou-se em 29 amostras planctônicas e perifíticas coletadas em seis estações de coleta ao longo do leito do rio. A análise qualitativa das amostras permitiu a identificação de 36 espécies, 14 variedades e uma forma taxonômica: Caloneis bacillum, C. hyalina, C. formosa, C. westii, Pinnularia acoricola, P. acrosphaeria, P. acrosphaeria f. minor, P. acuminata var. acuminata, P. acuminata var. novazealandica, P. borealis var. rectangularis, P. brauniana, P. butantanum, P. decrescens var. ignorata, P. divergens var. biconstricta, P. divergens var. divergens, P. divergens var. malayensis, P. divergens var. media, P. divergens var. mesoleptiformis, P. diversarea, P. dornii, P. gibba, P. graciloides var. latecapitata, P. grunowii, P. hartleyana var. curta, P. huckiae, P. hudsonii, P. hyalina, P. inconstans, P. latevittata, P. maculata, P. meriadiana var. parallela, P. michelcostei, P. microstauron, P. neomajor, P. nobilis var. regularis, P. oominensis, P. rhombarea, P. rostratissima var. parva, P. rumrichae, P. stidolphii, P. stoermeri, P. subcapitata, P. subgibba var. subgibba, P. subgibba var. undulata, P. sudetica, P. tabellaria, P. viridiformis, P. viridis, Pinnularia sp.1 e Pinnularia sp.2; sendo 32 destas novos registros para o estado do Paraná.
A família Ochnaceae DC. no estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Salvador Gisele Silvestre , Cervi Armando Carlos , Brotto Marcelo Leandro , Santos Élide Pereira dos
Published: August 2010

Este trabalho consiste no levantamento das espécies de Ochnaceae DC. que ocorrem no estado do Paraná. Foram registrados dois gêneros: Ouratea Aubl. com seis espécies, O. claudei G.S. Salvador, E.P. Santos & Cervi, O. parviflora (DC.) Baill., O. salicifolia (A.St.-Hil. & Tul.) Engl. , O. sellowii (Planch.) Engl., O. spectabilis Engl., O. vaccinioides (A.St.-Hil. & Tul.) Engl. e Sauvagesia L. com quatro espécies, S. erecta L., S. racemosa A.St.-Hil., S. capillaris (A.St.-Hil.) Sastre e S. vellozii (A.St.-Hil.) Sastre. São apresentadas chave de identificação, descrições, ilustrações, comentários e distribuição geográfica para cada espécie estudada.
Composição florística e estrutura da comunidade de epífitas vasculares em uma área de ecótono em Campo Mourão, PR, Brasil
Authors: Geraldino Henrique Cesar Lopes , Caxambú Marcelo Galeazzi , Souza Débora Cristina de
Published: August 2010

O presente estudo foi realizado em uma área de ecótono de aproximadamente 30 hectares entre Floresta Estacional Semidecidual e Floresta Ombrófila Mista, localizada na Capela do Calvário, município de Campo Mourão, PR. Para a análise fitossociológica foram selecionados 80 forófitos. No levantamento total foram encontradas 61 espécies, 39 gêneros e 13 famílias de epífitas (10 de Pteridófitas e 51 de Magnoliófitas). As famílias mais ricas foram: Orchidaceae (38%), Bromeliaceae e Polypodiaceae (13%), Cactaceae (11%) e Piperaceae (8%), que juntas compõem 83% das espécies amostradas. Os gêneros Tillandsia (Bromeliaceae) e Peperomia (Piperaceae) foram os mais ricos, com cinco espécies. A anemocoria foi constatada em 67% das espécies e 86% foram classificadas como holoepífitas verdadeiras. Das 61 espécies inventariadas, 43 ocorreram nas áreas de amostragem, sendo cinco em maior freqüência: Microgramma squamulosa, Pleopeltis angusta, Tillandsia loliacea, Tillandsia recurvata e Pecluma sicca. O índice de Shannon (H’) registrado para a área foi de 3,175 e a equabilidade (J) 0,863. Foram encontradas nove espécies epifíticas restritas a apenas um forófito. Microgramma squamulosa foi a espécie mais importante em toda área amostral. O trecho de vegetação em área de interflúvio, por apresentar estágio avançado de desenvolvimento, teve riqueza superior à área de vegetação ribeirinha.
Mixobiota do Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana, SE, Brasil: Trichiales
Authors: Bezerra Maria de Fátima de Andrade , Farias Gabriel Robson , Cavalcanti Laise de Holanda
Published: August 2010

Como parte do levantamento da mixobiota de Sergipe foram avaliadas a abundância e constância das Trichiales encontradas em diferentes microhabitats e níveis altitudinais no Parque Nacional Serra de Itabaiana (10º40'52"S e 37º25'15"W; 7.966 ha). Dois tipos fisionômicos predominam: florestas úmidas encontradas na margem de riachos e áreas abertas com solos arenosos, cobertos por gramíneas, ciperáceas, cactáceas, bromeliáceas e arbustos. Esporocarpos foram coletados durante dois anos (19 excursões); madeira em decomposição, folhedo, casca de árvores vivas e fezes de Sylvilagus brasiliensis L. foram coletados e montadas 590 câmaras-úmidas. Dez espécies foram identificadas: Arcyria cinerea (Bull.) Pers., A. denudata (L.) Wettst., A. obvellata (Oeder) Onsberg, Hemitrichia calyculata (Speg.) M. L. Farr, H. minor G. Lister, H. serpula (Scop.) Rostaf. ex Lister, Metatrichia vesparia (Batsch) Nann.-Bremek. ex G. W. Martin & Alexop., Perichaena chrysosperma (Curr.) Lister, P. depressa Lib. e Trichia affinis de Bary. Trichiales foram encontradas em todos os microhabitats, predominando as lignícolas e foliícolas. Três espécies fimícolas foram registradas: A. cinerea, H. minor e M. vesparia. As espécies mais constantes e abundantes foram A. cinerea, A. denudata e H. calyculata, as quais foram encontradas em diferentes altitudes (180-670 m). É fornecida a descrição de cada espécie e sua distribuição geográfica no Brasil. A. denudata, A. obvellata, H. calyculata, P. chrysosperma e T. affinis são novas referências para Sergipe, elevando para 58 o número de espécies de Myxomycetes registradas para esse estado.