bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium breve on antibiotic-associated diarrhea treatment: randomized double-blind clinical trial
Authors: Souza Daniela Nogueira Prado de , Jorge Miguel Tanús
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is an important side effect of this specific class of drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of the use of probiotics in the treatment of AAD. METHODS: A group of hospitalized patients, who contracted diarrhea during or after 7 days of suspension of antimicrobial medication, was blindly randomized to receive a standardized diet associated with the use of the probiotics (Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium breve) or its corresponding placebo, three times a day. RESULTS: Seventy patients were studied. For the experimental (n=35) and control (n=35) groups, respectively, the average time of treatment was 5.06±2.18 and 5.49±3.17 days (p=0.95), and the average duration of diarrhea, among those who were healed, was 4.87±2.13 and 4.52±2.55 days (p=0.36). Four (11.4%) patients who received probiotics and ten (28.6%) who received the placebo were not cured (p=0.13), and relapse rates were similar between both groups. Seven patients from each group, in addition to diarrhea, presented cases of bloating and/or abdominal cramps and/or vomiting (p=1.00). CONCLUSIONS: In this light, it is concluded that L. casei associated with B. breve, in the administered dosage and frequency, has no effect on the antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Similar studies need to be conducted with higher doses of these or other probiotics.
Incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in the city of Belém, state of Pará, northern Brazil, determined by a neonatal screening program: preliminary results
Authors: Bichara Cléa Nazaré Carneiro , Canto Giselle Acácia de Cristo , Tostes Camila de Lima , Freitas Jofre Jacob da Silva , Carmo Ediclei Lima do , Póvoa Marinete Marins , Silveira Eliete da Costa
Published: February 2012

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to determinate the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis among a group of newborns (NBs) from Belém using neonatal screening. METHODS: Among the 6,000 newborns referred for investigation of genetic and metabolic diseases, 1,000 were selected for screening for congenital toxoplasmosis by determining the amount of IgM in the eluates of blood collected on filter paper. Positive tests were confirmed using paired serology of the NB and his mother. RESULTS: Out of the 1,000 NBs assessed, one had a positive screening result that was confirmed by paired serology. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis in Belém was 10/10,000 live NBs.
Pesquisa e inovação: novos desafios para a educação superior no Brasil e na Alemanha
Authors: Neves Clarissa Eckert Baeta , Neves Fabrício Monteiro
Published: February 2012

O artigo analisa a dinâmica de transformações institucionais por que passam as universidades no Brasil e na Alemanha para que assumam papéis estratégicos em um contexto social, político e econômico caracterizado pela dinâmica da inovação. Reformas do sistema de ensino superior, tanto quanto projetos e estratégias institucionais são objetos de análise no trabalho. A Alemanha vem passando por um processo intenso de reforma do ensino superior com a implantação do projeto de Bolonha, no campo de produção da pesquisa científica e tecnológica e na relação com o mercado, com a implantação de vigorosos projetos de fomento e de direção da pesquisa acadêmica nacional. No Brasil, há enormes resistências históricas às mudanças. Predomina, ainda, um modelo de ensino superior pouco diversificado e com baixa relação com a indústria e o mercado, embora, nos últimos, tenham se multiplicado as iniciativas de apoio às transformações. Reformas sistêmicas e institucionais são analisadas à luz das peculiaridades históricas e sociais das relações entre universidade e sociedade nos dois países, focalizando dinâmicas mais contemporâneas.
Entre continuidades e rupturas: uma investigação sobre o ensino e aprendizagem da História na transição do quinto para o sexto ano do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Cainelli Marlene Rosa
Published: February 2012

Este artigo tem por objetivo apresentar algumas análises a partir das investigações realizadas por uma pesquisa em uma escola do Ensino Fundamental tendo como fundamentação teórica o campo da Educação Histórica. Buscamos perceber, a partir de observações da aula de História, como os alunos e o professor exteriorizam os principais desafios e dificuldades da transição da quarta série (5º ano) para a quinta série (6º ano). Neste trabalho, dialogamos com pesquisadores como Barca (2009), Malerba (2011), Schmidt (2009) e Rüsen (2010). Com isso, pudemos abordar questões que revelam qual a relação do professor com a teoria da história a partir de sua prática em sala de aula. Foram observadas também as abordagens e relações dos sujeitos alunos e professor com o conhecimento histórico, bem como as estratégias didáticas com relação ao uso do livro didático.
A primeira visita ao filho internado na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal: percepção dos pais
Authors: Schmidt Kayna Trombini , Sassá Anelize Helena , Veronez Marly , Higarashi Ieda Harumi , Marcon Sonia Silva
Published: February 2012

Este estudo teve como objetivo identificar os sentimentos, experiências e expectativas dos pais durante a primeira visita ao filho internado na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa realizado na UTIN de um hospital de ensino de Maringá-PR. Foram entrevistados nove mães e um pai. Os dados foram coletados na segunda quinzena de junho de 2010, por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas, posteriormente analisadas por meio do referencial de análise de conteúdo de Bardin. As categorias temáticas desprendidas dos depoimentos foram: Anseios antes da primeira visita ao filho; Vivenciando a primeira visita; e Lidando com as informações. Os resultados encontrados ampliam a compreensão dos sentimentos e das necessidades dos pais na primeira visita ao filho internado na UTIN e possibilitaram a reflexão sobre intervenções de enfermagem que possam amenizar as implicações negativas desse período situacional do ciclo de vida.
As facetas do convívio com o HIV: formas de relações sociais e representações sociais da AIDS para pessoas soropositivas hospitalizadas
Authors: Gomes Antonio Marcos Tosoli , Oliveira Denize Cristina de , Santos Érick Igor dos , Santo Caren Camargo do Espírito , Valois Bruno Rafael Gomes , Pontes Ana Paula Munhen de
Published: February 2012

O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as formas de relacionamentos sociais estabelecidos por pessoas hospitalizadas que vivem com HIV a partir das representações sociais que possuem acerca da AIDS. Utilizou-se a abordagem qualitativa, descritiva, baseada na Teoria das Representações Sociais. O cenário foi um hospital universitário situado no município do Rio de Janeiro. Participaram 13 sujeitos. Os dados foram coletados por meio de entrevistas em profundidade e analisados a partir da análise lexical utilizandose o software Alceste 4.7. O bloco temático analisado abarca as classes 2, 4 e 5. São evidenciadas formas de relação mantidas no contexto da exposição ao vírus, no contexto de cuidado prestado pela equipe de enfermagem, e, por fim, no contexto de enfrentamento da AIDS no relacionamento consigo e com o mundo. Conclui-se que os sujeitos do estudo parecem esquematizar suas multifacetárias relações interpessoais a partir de uma organização psicossociológica do HIV/AIDS.
Estudar e trabalhar: percepções de técnicos de enfermagem sobre esta escolha
Authors: Fontana Rosane Teresinha , Brigo Lariane
Published: February 2012

Pesquisa descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa, realizada com acadêmicos de enfermagem de uma universidade comunitária do Rio Grande do Sul/Brasil, no segundo semestre de 2009. Teve como objetivo identificar percepções de técnicos de enfermagem que vivenciam a experiência de trabalhar em um turno e estudar em outro. Os dados foram coletados por meio de um questionário e analisados pela metodologia de análise temática, resultando em quatro categorias: Concepções e percepções acerca da qualidade de vida; Situações que promovem qualidade de vida; Dificuldades encontradas durante o período acadêmico; Motivações à realidade de trabalhar e estudar. Embora com dupla jornada de atividades, para a maioria dos sujeitos é satisfatória sua qualidade de vida. O sono e a fadiga foram citados como as principais limitações para a dupla atividade plena. Discutir modos e meios de facilitar a conciliação trabalho e estudo é uma estratégia que pode agregar valor ao processo de formação destes sujeitos.
O portador de transtorno mental e a vida em família
Authors: Brischiliari Adriano , Waidman Maria Angélica Pagliarini
Published: February 2012

O objetivo geral deste estudo foi revelar, na ótica familiar, a participação do portador de transtorno mental na vida em família. Pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, realizada no período de março a maio de 2010. Os 14 colaboradores pertencem a onze famílias de portadores de transtornos mentais residentes no município de Maringá-Pr. Foi utilizada a história oral temática como técnica de coleta dos dados. Para análise dos dados utilizou-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo temática. Os resultados demonstram que, em relação à participação e decisões em família, ainda há dificuldades neste aspecto. Quanto à participação nas tarefas cotidianas, a maioria contribui quando não está em crise, porém com suas limitações; os relacionamentos familiares são permeados de sentimentos de dor e sofrimento atrelado a pena e dó. Conclui-se que a enfermagem tem o importante papel de orientar e apoiar a família em suas necessidades.
Lindembergue Cardoso: aspectos de uma obra plural
Authors: Nogueira Ilza
Published: February 2012

Escrito imediatamente após a catalogação da obra completa do compositor baiano Lindembergue Cardoso (1939-1989), este artigo objetiva divulgar a dimensão e a constituição do seu acervo de documentos musicais, assim como abordar alguns aspectos característicos de sua obra, sob os pontos de vista funcional, ideológico e estético. O acervo catalogado consta de 189 documentos completos, além de 43 iniciados e aparentemente abandonados ou incompletos (aqueles em que notamos a falta de página(s), sem apresentarem vestígios de não terem sido concluídos). Considerando que a carreira do compositor se desenvolveu em 25 anos (1965-1989), deve-se admitir que o volume do seu legado é expressivo. São 110 obras indexadas por número de opus e outras peças sem indexação, dentre as quais se encontram arranjos, música incidental, umas poucas transcrições e orquestrações. Quanto aos aspectos característicos da obra, são determinantes: intimidade com a música folclórica e popular brasileira; religiosidade; criatividade tímbrica; estética eclética, resultante da interação entre tradição e inovação; atitude heterodoxa no uso de sistemas musicais tradicionais; valorização da expressão cênica na concepção musical; abertura à interação criativa do(s) intérprete(s); e direcionamento aos conjuntos de estudantes e amadores.
Sobre o desuso e o ressurgimento da viola pomposa
Authors: Paulinyi Zoltan
Published: February 2012

A viola pomposa, instrumento pentacorde de origem barroca semelhante à viola de orquestra com uma corda Mi aguda acrescentada, recebeu denominações divergentes desde o final do século XVIII causando confusão com os termos "violino pomposo", "violino tenor", "violoncello da spalla" e "violoncello piccolo". Entrou em desuso provavelmente pela dispendiosa manutenção das cordas e maior esforço de manuseio, motivos que não mais justificam sua ausência das salas de concerto. Descreve-se detalhadamente uma viola pomposa de construção brasileira feita pelo luthier Carlos Martins del Picchia em Belo Horizonte em 2006 seguindo as informações sobre "La Parmigiana" de Guadagnini feita em 1765. Apresenta uma lista de repertório para o instrumento, na qual a produção brasileira desponta na publicação de partituras e gravações de áudio e vídeo.
Análise de uma análise: Tarasti e Liszt
Authors: Rónai Laura
Published: February 2012

Em seu livro basilar, A Theory of Musical Semiotics, Eero Tarasti empreende a análise semiótica da obra para piano Vallée d'Obermann, do compositor Franz Liszt. Num processo de arguta arqueologia musical, o autor desvenda as várias camadas que colorem a escrita do compositor húngaro. O presente artigo pretende fazer observações à margem deste texto, procurando detalhar e comentar a análise de um dos mais importantes teóricos da semiologia.
Estudo morfométrico da terapia LED de baixa potência em tendinite de ratos
Authors: Silva José Mário Nunes da , Carvalho Janderson Pereira de , Moura Júnior Manoel de Jesus
Published: February 2012

A terapia LED de baixa potência possui efeitos analgésico e antiinflamatório. O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar a ação da terapia com LED de baixa potência na reparação tendínea por meio de histologia e histomorfometria. Foram usados 25 ratos Wistar, de 220 a 250 g, divididos em três grupos experimentais avaliados no 7º e 14º dia: A, tendinite induzida sem tratamento; B, tendinite induzida tratada com LED de baixa potência, densidade de energia 4 J/cm² por 120 segundos; e C, sem indução de tendinite. A histomorfometria mostrou-se altamente significativa (p<0,001) na terapia com LED em contrarrelógio de 14 dias, comparada ao grupo saudável (C). Entretanto, não mostrou significância levando em conta o grupo tendinite (A14), em que valor p>0,05. As análises histológica e histomorfométrica demonstraram qualitativo e quantitativo aumento no número de fibroblastos aos sete dias de tratamento, e das fibras colágenas, aos 14 dias, para grupo tratado com LED de baixa potência em relação ao grupo sadio (C). O mesmo não foi percebido quando relacionado ao grupo tendinite (A14).
Novas ocorrências de metacercária de Austrodiplostomum compactum (Lutz, 1928) (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) parasito de olhos de peixes da Bacia do Rio Paraná
Authors: Yamada Fábio Hideki , Moreira Luis Henrique de A. , Ceschini Tiago L. , Takemoto Ricardo Massato , Pavanelli Gilberto Cezar
Published: February 2012

Austrodiplostomum compactum (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) parasita os olhos de várias de espécies de peixes. A presença deste parasito, em casos extremos, pode causar exoftalmia, deslocamento da retina, opacidade do cristalino e cegueira ou até a morte. O presente estudo registra novas ocorrências desta metacercária infectando os olhos de quatro novos hospedeiros de peixes, Serrasalmus maculatus coletado no reservatório de Rosana no rio Paranapanema e Hypostomus regani, Schizodon borellii e Auchenipterus osteomystax coletados na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná.
First continental underground electric railway, Budapest 1896
Authors: Porrino Matteo
Published: February 2012

In 1871, a municipal commission in charge of city planning in Budapest introduced an urban development plan based on a concentric annular structure and several large radials. Another element of the plan was the attractive Andrássy Avenue linking the inner city to the city park (Városliget). In 1893, the Siemens & Halske Company developed a project for a shallowly buried railway that was to extend the entire length of the new avenue. The 3690 m long line, inaugurated in 1896, was mainland Europe’s first underground electric railway, preceded only by London’s underground (1890). In the early 1970s, complete restructuring was carried out because of increases in traffic and construction of the underground network. The short surface segment on the inside of the park was taken out of service, the segment between the two stations was buried and the line was extended to the current terminus, beyond the outer boulevard. The subway was then entirely refurbished in 1994–1996. This paper highlights the particular adaptive capacities of the small M1 line, which remains, after more than a century and despite the singular nature of the initial project, perfectly integrated in Budapest’s transport system.
Luminescence properties of divinylbenzene and methylmethacrylate copolymers
Authors: Zhmurin Piotr , Elyseev Dmitriy , Lebedev Valentin , Titskaya Valentina , Adadurov Alexander
Published: February 2012

This article describes our attempts to produce ”nonexcimer” polymer systems by means of rigid fixation of chromophore groups positioned between two vinyl bonds. Divinylbenzene and methylmethacrylate copolymers were chosen as such systems. Study of the optical properties of synthesized copolymers showed their constancy in a wide region of specific concentrations of chromophore groups. The absence of luminescent properties modification in a wide concentrations range proves the possibility of eliminating the intrasystem energy traps by means of rigid fixation of chromophores in polymer.
New Virgulid Cercaria (Trematoda, Lecithodendroidea) from Freshwater Mollusk Melanopsis praemorsa (Melanopsidae) from Azerbaijan Water Bodies. Morphology and Chaetotaxy of Cercaria Agstaphensis 31
Authors: Manafov A.
Published: February 2012

New Virgulid Cercaria (Trematoda, Lecithodendroidea) from Freshwater Mollusk Melanopsis praemorsa (Melanopsidae) from Azerbaijan Water Bodies. Morphology and Chaetotaxy of Cercaria Agstaphensis 31

An illustrated morphological description with chaetotaxy and differential diagnosis of a new virgulid cercaria - Cercaria agstaphensis 31 from the freshwater prosobranchial mollusk Melanopsis praemorsa (Linnaeus, 1758) are given. Special attention is paid to the arming of the tegument, structure of the glandular apparatus, excretory system, digestive system, structure of the sensory apparatus and other larval morphological characters.
Bird Distribution in Biotopes of Open Agricaltural Lands in Breeding Season
Authors: Kuzmenko T.
Published: February 2012

Bird Distribution in Biotopes of Open Agricaltural Lands in Breeding Season

Based on comparative analysis of the vegetation structure in fields of different crops and taking into account intensity of land cultivation and types of avifauna communities formed in these fields, we identified five groups of fields in the Left-Bank Polissya and Wood-and-Steppe zone of Ukraine. The greatest number of breeding species and the most abundant species are in the first group (cereals, flax, white mustard, and buckwheat). The largest total average density, the highest average density of breeding species with nesting of two characteristic species is typical for fields of the second group (rapeseed and peas). The smallest proportion of breeding birds and the large dominant proportion were seen in low crops and in dense closed crops (soybean, lupine), these values are slightly higher than those in fields of beet and potatoes.
Individual differences in police dog handlers
Authors: Kaleta Tadeusz , Pisula Wojciech , Fiszdon Katarzyna , Kondrakiewicz Piotr
Published: February 2012

Individual differences in police dog handlers

The Polish adaptation of the NEO-FFI inventory (see Costa & McCrea, 1989; 1992b; Zawadzki et al. 2007) was used in the present study to assess the personality of dog handlers. For diagnosis of the emotional intelligence, the Polish scale Popular Questionnaire of Emotional Intelligence was used (Jaworowska & Matczak, 2005). There were 601 participants out of the total estimated number of 1408 police dog handlers in Poland. The results were compared with normalization tests for the measures used. The personality profile and emotional intelligence of dog handlers differ significantly from general population. Described in the NEO-FFI terms, police dog handlers are characterized by very low neuroticism, slightly above average extraversion, slightly below average openness to experience, a little above average agreeableness, and very high conscientiousness. In terms of emotional intelligence, they demonstrate higher control and understanding of emotions. It seems that the results obtained in the study may become relevant for the recruitment and training of police officers.
Conscious access to fear-relevant information is mediated by threshold
Authors: Szczepanowski Remigiusz
Published: February 2012

Conscious access to fear-relevant information is mediated by threshold

The present report proposed a model of access consciousness to fear-relevant information according to which there is a threshold for emotional perception beyond that the subject makes hits with no false alarm. The model was examined by having the participants performed a confidence-ratings masking task with fearful faces. Measures of the thresholds for conscious access were taken by looking at the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves generated from a three-state low- and high-threshold (3-LHT) model by Krantz. Indeed, the analysis of the masking data revealed that the ROCs had threshold-like-nature (a two-limb shape) rather continuous (a curvilinear shape) challenging in this fashion the classical signal-detection view on perceptual processing. Moreover, the threshold ROC curve exhibited the specific y-intercepts relevant to conscious access performance. The study suggests that the threshold can be an intrinsic property of conscious access, mediating emotional contents between perceptual states and consciousness.
The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey: validation across different occupational groups in Poland
Authors: Chirkowska-Smolak Teresa , Kleka Pawel
Published: February 2012

The Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey: validation across different occupational groups in Poland

This paper concerns the psychometric evaluation of the Polish version of a self-report questionnaire to measure burnout. Although the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is the most commonly employed measure of burnout, researchers have been troubled by some of its psychometric limitations. The aim of this study is to examine the MBI-GS factor structure in three occupational groups (both within the human services sector and elsewhere), and to evaluate its reliability (internal consistency). In evaluating factorial validity, we carried out an explanatory analysis and a number of confirmatory analyses (using the total database and the three occupational groups). An additional aim was to explore the relationships between biographic characteristics (gender, age, work experience, employment level, and occupation) and burnout. The results of the confirmatory analyses show us that all three models fit the data almost acceptably, both in the total sample (N=998) and in the separate occupational groups, and that the fit of the three-factor solution appears to be somewhat better than that of the one- and two-factor solutions. When the initial model failed to fit the data well, we had to eliminate two items with weak reliability. The results then confirmed the factorial validity of the MBI-GS—as expected, the MBI-GS consists of three scales that are moderately correlate.
Quantitative changes in the structure of pine stands of 2nd and 3rd age class and the forest floor following understorey fire in a fresh-coniferous forest
Authors: Rywka Piotr
Published: February 2012

Zmiany ilościowe dna lasu i struktury drzewostanów sosnowych II i III klasy wieku na siedlisku boru świeżego po pożarze pokrywy gleby
The process of seed extraction from whole cones of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) compared with cones without a stem
Authors: Aniszewska Monika
Published: February 2012

Porównanie procesu wyłuszczania nasion sosny zwyczajnej (Pinus sylvestris L.) z szyszek całych i pozbawionych trzpienia
Pour un dictionnaire de français scientifique médiéval : le projet Crealscience
Authors: Ducos Joëlle , Salvador Xavier-Laurent
Published: February 2012

L’ampleur des usages spécialisés en français médiéval est difficile à apprécier en raison de l’absence d’instruments pour en mesurer l’étendue des domaines et l’évolution du XII e à la fin du XV e siècle. Le programme Crealscience, par le biais de l’élaboration d’un Dictionnaire du Français Scientifique Médiéval , cherche à combler cette lacune et contribuer à une réflexion sur la genèse d’une terminologie et sur les critères de distinction entre termes, néologismes et usages. Une recherche est également menée sur de nouvelles modalités de la dictionnairique et sur des graphes possibles pour rendre compte d’évolutions lexicales et linguistiques.
Exhaustion of Cytotoxic Effector Systems May Limit Monoclonal Antibody-Based Immunotherapy in Cancer Patients
Authors: Beurskens Frank J. , Lindorfer Margaret A. , Farooqui Mohammed , Beum Paul V. , Engelberts Patrick , Mackus Wendy J. M. , Parren Paul W. H. I. , Wiestner Adrian , Taylor Ronald P.
Published: February 2012

The CD20 mAb ofatumumab (OFA) induces complement-mediated lysis of B cells. In an investigator-initiated phase II trial of OFA plus chemotherapy for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), OFA treatment promoted partial CLL B cell depletion that coincided with reduced complement titers. Remaining CLL B cells circulated with bound OFA and covalently bound complement breakdown product C3d, indicative of ongoing complement activation. Presumably, neither complement- nor effector cell-based mechanisms were sufficiently robust to clear these remaining B cells. Instead, almost all of the bound OFA and CD20 was removed from the cells, in accordance with previous clinical studies that demonstrated comparable loss of CD20 from B cells after treatment of CLL patients with rituximab. In vitro experiments with OFA and rituximab addressing these observations suggest that host effector mechanisms that support mAb-mediated lysis and tumor cell clearance are finite, and they can be saturated or exhausted at high B cell burdens, particularly at high mAb concentrations. Interestingly, only a fraction of available complement was required to kill cells with CD20 mAbs, and killing could be tuned by titrating the mAb concentration. Consequently, maximal B cell killing of an initial and secondary B cell challenge was achieved with intermediate mAb concentrations, whereas high concentrations promoted lower overall killing. Therefore, mAb therapies that rely substantially on effector mechanisms subject to exhaustion, including complement, may benefit from lower, more frequent dosing schemes optimized to sustain and maximize killing by cytotoxic immune effector systems.
Effect of cardiopulmonary bypass on tissue injury markers and endothelial activation during coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Nair S , Iqbal K , Phadke M , Jadhav UE , Khandekar J , Khandeparkar JMS
Published: February 2012

Background:

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is done either using cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) or without using CPB (OPCAB). But, recently, reports have shown that CPB is associated with increased postoperative morbidity because of the involvement of many systems.

Aims:

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the influence of the technique of surgery on various tissue injury markers and the extent of endothelial activation in patients undergoing CABG and OPCAB coronary revascularization.

Settings and Design:

This study was conducted at a tertiary healthcare center during the period May 2008 to December 2009.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective nonrandomized blinded study. The activities of Creatine Phosphokinase (CK) and its isoenzyme CK-MB, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), levels of cardiac Troponin I, soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-I) and systemic nitric oxide production were assessed.

Statistical analysis:

All the results were expressed as Mean±SD. P value ≤0.05 was considered significant. The statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Version 11.5-computer software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

The surgical trauma had elevated CK, CK-MB and Troponin I in both the groups and further elevation was seen in the CABG group in comparison to OPCAB (P<0.001). The Troponin I concentrations showed an increase from 0.11±0.02 preoperatively to 6.59±0.59 (ng/ml) at 24 h (P<0.001) compared to the OPCAB group. Mean serum levels of sVCAM-1 increased significantly after surgery in both the groups (P<0.02). To determine serum nitric oxide (NO) production, NO2− and NO3− (stable end products of NO oxidation) were analyzed which also increased significantly at 24 h in both the groups. But the increase was not significant at 48 h in both the groups compared to the preoperative value in our study.

Conclusion:

The present study indicates that, despite comparable surgical trauma, the OPCAB significantly reduces tissue injury. The overall pattern of endothelial activation after OPCAB is significantly lower than that after CABG. This may contribute to improved organ function, and improved postoperative recovery.
Fluticasone furoate
Authors: Kumar R , Kumar D , Parakh A
Published: February 2012

Intranasal corticosteroids are recommended as one of the first-line therapies for the treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR), especially when associated with nasal congestion and recurrent symptoms. Fluticasone furoate is a novel enhanced-affinity glucocorticoid for the treatment of AR approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 2007 and recently introduced in India. Fluticasone furoate nasal spray is indicated for the treatment of the symptoms of seasonal and perennial AR in patients aged two years and older. This review summarizes the clinical data on fluticasone furoate nasal spray and discusses its role in the management of AR. Important attributes of fluticasone furoate include low systemic bioavailability (<0.5%), 24-h symptom relief with once-daily dosing, comprehensive coverage of both nasal and ocular symptoms, safety and tolerability with daily use, and availability in a side-actuated device that makes medication delivery simple and consistent. With these properties, fluticasone furoate nasal spray has the potential to enhance patient satisfaction and compliance, thus making it a good choice amongst available intranasal steroids.
Inducible Prrxl1‐CreERT2 recombination activity in the somatosensory afferent pathway
Authors: Hu Ze‐Lan , Huang Ying , Tao Xiao‐Rong , Qi Zheng‐Han , Chen Jia‐Yin , Ding Yu‐Qiang
Published: February 2012

Prrxl1‐CreERT2 transgenic mice expressing tamoxifen‐inducible Cre recombinase were generated by modifying a Prrxl1‐containing BAC clone. Cre recombination activity was examined in Prrxl1‐CreERT2; Rosa26 reporter mice at various embryonic and postnatal stages. Pregnant mice were treated with a single dose of tamoxifen at embryonic day (E) 9.5 or E12.5, and X‐gal staining was performed 2 days later. Strong X‐gal staining was observed in the somatosensory ganglia (e.g., dorsal root and trigeminal ganglia) and the first central sites for processing somatosensory information (e.g., spinal dorsal horn and trigeminal nerve‐associated nuclei). When tamoxifen was administered at postnatal day (P) 20 or in adulthood (P120), strong Cre recombination activity was present in the primary somatosensory ganglia, while weak Cre recombination activity was found in the spinal dorsal horn, mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, principal sensory trigeminal nucleus, and spinal trigeminal nucleus. This mouse line provides a useful tool for exploring genes' functions in the somatosensory system in a time‐controlled way. genesis 50:552–560, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of cerium oxide nanoparticles—Part 1: Size measurements
Authors: Baalousha Mohammed , Ju-Nam Yon , Cole Paula A. , Gaiser Birgit , Fernandes Teresa F. , Hriljac Joseph A. , Jepson Mark A. , Stone Vicki , Tyler Charles R. , Lead Jamie R.
Published: February 2012

The present study gives an overview of some of the major aspects for consideration in the characterization of nanomaterials (NMs). Part 1 focuses on the measurement of particle size and size-related parameters using several analytical techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller surface area measurements as applied to commercially available cerium oxide nanoparticles (NPs) and microparticles (MPs). Part 2 (see companion paper) considers nonsize-related characterization and analysis. The results are discussed in relation to the nature of the sample and preparation, and the analytical principles, limitations, and advantages of each technique. Accurate information on the particle size of the different fractions of a sample can be obtained by using a combination of different types of microscopy, spectroscopy, separation, and other techniques; this should inform ecotoxicological and environmental studies. The good agreement between the measured primary particle size of the NPs (∼15 nm) by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Brunauer, Emmett, and Teller suggests that the primary particles are formed of semispherical single crystals. For MPs, all measurements agree that they are large particles in the range above the NPs (100 nm), with some difference between the measured sizes, possibly as a result of polydispersity effects. Additionally, our findings suggest that atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy prepared by centrifugation methods provide consistent data at low concentrations when dynamic light scattering fails. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 983–993. © 2012 SETAC
Coupling solid‐phase microextraction and laser desorption ionization for rapid identification of biological material
Authors: Perera Sirantha , Berthod Alain , Dodbiba Edra , Armstrong Daniel W.
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Solid phase microextraction (SPME) use small fibers directly plunged in the solution under investigation to quickly extract and quantify by different techniques the amount of selected dissolved compounds.

METHODS

Biological materials, peptides or proteins are accurately identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). They are difficult to extract by SPME. This work looks for a chemical to be deposited onto fibers and able to act as a good SPME extractant as well as efficient matrix for MALDI detection.

RESULTS

3‐Hydroxy‐2‐naphthoic acid (HNA) and 2‐hydroxy‐1‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐sulfo‐1‐naphthylazo)‐3‐naphthoic acid (HHSNNA) were compared to two classical matrices: α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHCA) and 2,5‐dihydrobenzoic acid (DHB). Bound to silica particles, DHB and HNA were found to be good MALDI matrices. Only the wide pore particles gave observable spectra. These particles were then attached in a thin layer onto wires to be used as fiber tips in SPME. Fibers loaded with peptides were introduced into the mass spectrometer to record fiber laser desorption ionization (FILDI) spectra.

CONCLUSIONS

SPME‐FILDI experiments could quickly identify peptides and proteins in solutions. More work is needed to find the best matrix and the way to fix it onto the fiber. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vacuum electrospray of volatile liquids assisted by infrared laser irradiation
Authors: Ninomiya Satoshi , Chen Lee Chuin , Suzuki Hiroaki , Sakai Yuji , Hiraoka Kenzo
Published: February 2012

RATIONALE

Current large cluster sources such as C60 or argon utilize gas‐phase sources which are of low‐brightness and cannot be focused efficiently to better than 1 micron diameter spot size. The development of a high‐brightness large cluster ion source is of critical importance to achieve high resolution in secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging of organics.

METHODS

We propose a new high‐brightness large cluster ion source, and a technique for producing a stable electrospray of volatile liquids under vacuum. It is known that vacuum electrospray of volatile liquids such as water is extremely difficult because of freezing of the liquids introduced in vacuum by evaporative cooling. To avoid freezing, the tip of the electrospray emitter was irradiated by a continuous wave infrared laser.

RESULTS

Without continuous laser irradiation the vacuum electrospray of a water/methanol solution was unstable with respect to the shapes of the Taylor cone and current, whereas continuous laser irradiation produced a stable electrospray of water. The typical modes of electrospray were clearly observed with an optical microscope even under vacuum conditions. A stable vacuum electrospray could be achieved by improving the vacuum pressure to suppress electric discharge and by using the laser to maintain the liquid state.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first description of the production of a stable vacuum electrospray of volatile liquids such as water. This vacuum electrospray technique can be expected to produce a novel high‐brightness large cluster ion beam source. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lactobacillus casei combats acid stress by maintaining cell membrane functionality
Authors: Wu Chongde , Zhang Juan , Wang Miao , Du Guocheng , Chen Jian
Published: February 2012

Lactobacillus casei strains have traditionally been recognized as probiotics and frequently used as adjunct culture in fermented dairy products where lactic acid stress is a frequently encountered environmental condition. We have investigated the effect of lactic acid stress on the cell membrane of L. casei Zhang [wild type (WT)] and its acid-resistant mutant Lbz-2. Both strains were grown under glucose-limiting conditions in chemostats; following challenge by low pH, the cell membrane stress responses were investigated. In response to acid stress, cell membrane fluidity decreased and its fatty acid composition changed to reduce the damage caused by lactic acid. Compared with the WT, the acid-resistant mutant exhibited numerous survival advantages, such as higher membrane fluidity, higher proportions of unsaturated fatty acids, and higher mean chain length. In addition, cell integrity analysis showed that the mutant maintained a more intact cellular structure and lower membrane permeability after environmental acidification. These results indicate that alteration in membrane fluidity, fatty acid distribution, and cell integrity are common mechanisms utilized by L. casei to withstand severe acidification and to reduce the deleterious effect of lactic acid on the cell membrane. This detailed comparison of cell membrane responses between the WT and mutant add to our knowledge of the acid stress adaptation and thus enable new strategies to be developed aimed at improving the industrial performance of this species under acid stress.
Does interspecific competition with a stronger competitor explain the rarity of an endangered snake on a Mediterranean island?
Authors: Luiselli Luca , Capula Massimo , Rugiero Lorenzo , Salvi Daniele , Akani Godfrey C.
Published: February 2012

Interspecific competition has been demonstrated to be an important shaping force for snake communities worldwide, but relatively few studies have investigated its occurrence and extent with island assemblages of snakes. In Sardinia (Mediterranean Sea), two species of whip snakes (Colubridae) co‐occur, one of them being abundant and widespread (Hierophis viridiflavus) and the other being localized and critically endangered (Hemorrhois hippocrepis). A previous hypothesis suggested that the latter species would be confined to suboptimal habitats by the former species, which is a stronger competitor for food. As a consequence, He. hippocrepis would not only be rare but would also be smaller in body size in Sardinia than in other regions of its range where Hi. viridiflavus does not occur. In 1999–2010, we studied habitat selection, food habits, and body sizes of these two snakes in sympatric populations, applying a suite of statistical tools including null models and Monte Carlo simulations. We observed that dietary habits were different between species (compared to Hi. viridiflavus, He. hippocrepis more frequently preyed upon rodents and less frequently on lizards, and within rodent prey, more frequently upon Rattus and less frequently upon Mus), but not in a way compatible with competitively induced trophic niche partitioning. The two species were similar in terms of prey size and predator‐size–prey‐size relationships. They also differed in habitat selection (maquis was the preferred habitat for both, but Hi. viridiflavus was found significantly more often than He. hippocrepis in grasslands, cultivations, and artificial pinewoods) but again in a non‐competitively directed way. In addition, there was no evidence for the hypothesis that He. hippocrepis was confined to suboptimal habitats. Body sizes were similar between species (with males being significantly larger than females), and Sardinian He. hippocrepis were not smaller than conspecifics inhabiting regions without Hi. viridiflavus. Overall, our study showed that the two species differed in some aspects of their ecology, but these differences could not be due to competitive interactions. The conservation implications of these results are also discussed.
Tocotrienol Attenuates Triglyceride Accumulation in HepG2 Cells and F344 Rats
Authors: Burdeos Gregor Carpentero , Nakagawa Kiyotaka , Kimura Fumiko , Miyazawa Teruo
Published: February 2012

Tocotrienol (T3) is an important phytonutrient found in rice bran and palm oil. T3 has gained much interest for lipid lowering effects, especially for cholesterol (Cho) by inhibiting 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme A reductase. Also, usefulness of T3 in improving triglyceride (TG) profiles has been suggested, but its efficacy and mechanism have been unclear. We investigated how T3 decreases TG concentration in cultured cells and animals. In a cell culture study, human hepatoma cells (HepG2) were incubated in a control or a fat (1 mM oleic acid)‐loaded medium containing γ‐T3 for 24 h. We found that 10–15 μM γ‐T3 inhibited cellular TG accumulation significantly, especially in the fat‐loaded medium. This manifestation was supported by mRNA and protein expressions of fatty acid synthase, carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1, and cytochrome P450 3A4. In concordance with these results, rice bran T3 supplementation to F344 rats (5 or 10 mg T3/day/rat) receiving a high fat diet for 3 weeks significantly reduced TG and the oxidative stress marker (phospholipid hydroperoxides, PLOOH) in the liver and blood plasma. T3 supplementation did not show changes in the Cho level. These results provided new information and the mechanism of the TG‐lowering effect of T3. The lipid lowering effects of dietary T3 might be mediated by the reduction of TG synthesis.
Purification of 2‐Monoacylglycerols Using Liquid CO2 Extraction
Authors: Compton David L. , Eller Fred J. , Laszlo Joseph A. , Evans Kervin O.
Published: February 2012

The fatty acid moiety of 2‐monoacyl‐sn‐glycerol (2‐MAG) undergoes spontaneous acyl migration to the sn‐1(3) position, resulting in a thermodynamic equilibrium of approximately 1:9 of 2‐MAG to 1(3)‐monoacyl‐sn‐glycerol (1‐MAG). Spontaneous acyl migration is an impediment to synthesizing and isolating specific 2‐MAG for use as intermediates in the synthesis of structured triacylglycerols. 2‐Monooleoyl‐sn‐glycerol was synthesized by the enzymatic ethanolysis of triolein and isolated by liquid CO2 extraction. The resultant MAG, diacylglycerol, and fatty acid ethyl esters were quantified by 1H NMR and supercritical fluid chromatography. The low polarity of the CO2 and mild extraction temperature (25 °C) resulted in very low spontaneous acyl migration rates, allowing the MAG to be isolated in 80% yield and in a very high 2‐MAG:1‐MAG ratios of ≥93 mol%.
Oncologists' and Physiatrists' Attitudes Regarding Rehabilitation for Patients With Advanced Cancer
Authors: Spill Gayle R. , Hlubocky Fay J. , Daugherty Christopher K.
Published: February 2012

Objective

To determine whether differences in attitude and practice between physiatrists and oncologists exist that may be barriers to patients with advanced cancer receiving rehabilitation services.

Design

A survey of medical oncologists' and rehabilitation physicians' self‐reported referral attitudes and behaviors regarding rehabilitation services for patients with advanced cancer defined as the prognosis expected to lead to death in 6‐12 months. After a prenotification letter, surveys were mailed to a systematically drawn sample. A final survey population of 591 medical oncologists and 464 rehabilitation physicians was created from prenotification and survey mailings.

Participants

Practicing physiatrists and oncologists listed in the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and American Society of Clinical Oncology membership directories.

Main Outcome Measurements

Responses to survey questions by physiatrists and oncologists.

Results

From 820 surveys mailed, 395 surveys were returned, for a total response rate of 46%. When asked about how a terminal prognosis of patients with advanced cancer affects rehabilitation referral and acceptance, only 8% of medical oncologists said that they would refer a patient with advanced cancer to rehabilitation services regardless of estimated prognosis, whereas 35% of rehabilitation physicians said that they would accept a patient with advanced cancer for rehabilitation services regardless of prognosis. Approximately 70% of both medical oncologists and rehabilitation physicians thought it to be very important that patients with advanced cancer who are referred and accepted into rehabilitation services adequately understand their prognosis before beginning a rehabilitation program. However, only 39% of rehabilitation physicians, compared with 61% of medical oncologists, believed that patients with advanced cancer and in rehabilitation services adequately understood their prognosis (P = .004). As surveyed, a do not resuscitate order had no effect on a medical oncologist's willingness to refer a patient with advanced cancer to rehabilitation services and had minimal effect on a rehabilitation physician's willingness to accept a patient with advanced cancer.

Conclusion

Medical oncologists and rehabilitation physicians share many similar attitudes with regard to the referral and acceptance of patients with advanced cancer for rehabilitation services. However, medical oncologists see prognosis as a more significant barrier to rehabilitation services than do rehabilitation physicians. Rehabilitation physicians are more likely to believe that the patients with advanced cancer for whom they care do not adequately understand their prognosis.
The Effect of Prolonged Standing on Touch Sensitivity Threshold of the Foot: A Pilot Study
Authors: Wiggermann Neal E. , Werner Robert A. , Keyserling W. Monroe
Published: February 2012

Objective

To determine the effect of prolonged standing on touch sensitivity of the foot.

Design

An observational study with replications.

Setting

University laboratory.

Participants

Ten healthy college students (5 men and 5 women), with a mean ± SD age of 23.5 ± 4.1 years and body mass of 67.4 ± 12.6 kg.

Methods

Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament tests were administered to 12 locations on the dorsal and plantar surfaces of the foot before and after 4 hours of standing. These locations were formed into several groupings (toes, metatarsal heads, midfoot, heel, all plantar sites, all dorsal sites), and paired t‐tests were used to test for significant changes in sensitivity threshold after standing.

Main Outcome Measurement

The difference between sensitivity thresholds measured before and after standing for different locations on the foot.

Results

The average of all sensitivity thresholds on the plantar surface of the foot decreased (indicating increased sensitivity) from 0.56 to 0.36 g (P < .01) after 4 hours of prolonged standing. This change in threshold equated to a difference of 1 Semmes‐Weinstein monofilament level. Changes in the sensitivity threshold of the dorsal aspect of the foot were not significant.

Conclusions

Analysis of the results suggests that the plantar foot has greater sensitivity to touch after prolonged standing. These findings may be useful for identifying potential unintended bias in clinical touch sensitivity testing. Future research is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms for this sensitivity change and to determine the onset and recovery times for sensitivity changes.