bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subcellular localization of Mayven following expression of wild type and mutant EGFP tagged cDNAs
Authors: Montague Paul , Kennedy Peter GE , Barnett Susan C
Published: May 2010

Background

Process formation by glial cells is crucial to their function. Mayven, an actin binding, multi-domain polypeptide, and member of the BTB-BACK-Kelch family have been shown to be important in oligodendrocyte process extension. To assess the role of Mayven in neural cell process extension we have tracked the subcellular distribution of exogenous Mayven following expression of a rat Mayven -EGFP cDNA in a variety of neural cell backgrounds and specifically in OEC tranfectants following drug treatment to disrupt the integrity of the cytoskeleton. A comparison was made between the subcellular localization following transient transfection of OECs with full-length Mayven cDNA and a series of mutant domain constructs.

Results

The subcellular location of Mayven in OEC transfectants showed a characteristic distribution with intense foci of staining towards the process tips corresponding to regions of accumulated Mayven overlapping in part with lammelipodial actin and was absent from the filipodia and the outer membrane. This signature pattern was also observed in Schwann cells, Oli-Neu cells, astrocytes and the neuroblastoma cell line B104 transfectants and resembled the exogenous and endogenous Mayven distribution in oligodendrocytes. This contrasted with the localization pattern in non-neural cells. There was a re-localization of Mayven in OEC transfectants following drug treatment to challenge the integrity of the actin cytoskeleton while breakdown of the microtubular component had no discernible impact on the accumulation of Mayven in the process tips. Deletion of the first three amino acids of the SH3 motif of the putative Fyn Kinase binding domain at the amino terminus significantly compromised this signature pattern as did the removal of the last Kelch repeat unit of six unit Kelch domain comprising the carboxyl terminus. In addition, there was a reduction in process length in mutant transfectants. Co-expression studies with a haemagglutinin (HA) tagged wild type Mayven cDNA and EGFP tagged mutant cDNAs suggested a homomeric interaction mediated by the BTB/POZ domain.

Conclusions

Exogenous Mayven is transported to the lamellipodia in neural transfectants associating with the actin cytoskeletal network. In addition to the importance of the internal BTB/POZ domain, this subcellular distribution pattern is dependent on the presence of an intact amino and carboxyl terminus.
Infection Probability Score, APACHE II and KARNOFSKY scoring systems as predictors of bloodstream infection onset in hematology-oncology patients
Authors: Apostolopoulou Eleni , Raftopoulos Vasilios , Terzis Konstantinos , Elefsiniotis Ioannis
Published: May 2010

Background

Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) in neutropenic patients often cause considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the surveillance and early identification of patients at high risk for developing BSIs might be useful for the development of preventive measures. The aim of the current study was to assess the predictive power of three scoring systems: Infection Probability Score (IPS), APACHE II and KARNOFSKY score for the onset of Bloodstream Infections in hematology-oncology patients.

Methods

A total of 102 patients who were hospitalized for more than 48 hours in a hematology-oncology department in Athens, Greece between April 1st and October 31st 2007 were included in the study. Data were collected by using an anonymous standardized recording form. Source materials included medical records, temperature charts, information from nursing and medical staff, and results on microbiological testing. Patients were followed daily until hospital discharge or death.

Results

Among the 102 patients, Bloodstream Infections occurred in 17 (16.6%) patients. The incidence density of Bloodstream Infections was 7.74 per 1,000 patient-days or 21.99 per 1,000 patient-days at risk. The patients who developed a Bloodstream Infection were mainly females (p = 0.004), with twofold time mean length of hospital stay (p < 0.001), with fourfold time mean length of neutropenia (p < 0.001), with neutropenia < 500 (p < 0.001), suffered mainly from acute myeloid leukemia (p < 0.001), had been exposed to antibiotics (p = 0.045) and chemotherapy (p = 0.023), had a surgery (p = 0.048) and a Hickman catheter (p = 0.025) as compared to the patients without Bloodstream Infection. The best cut-off value of IPS for the prediction of a Bloodstream Infection was 10 with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 70.9%

Conclusion

Between the three different prognostic scoring systems, Infection Probability Score had the best sensitivity in predicting Bloodstream Infections.
MicroRNAs involvement in fludarabine refractory chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Ferracin Manuela , Zagatti Barbara , Rizzotto Lara , Cavazzini Francesco , Veronese Angelo , Ciccone Maria , Saccenti Elena , Lupini Laura , Grilli Andrea , De Angeli Cristiano , Negrini Massimo , Cuneo Antonio
Published: May 2010

Background

Fludarabine, is one of the most active single agents in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Over time, however, virtually all CLL patients become fludarabine-refractory. To elucidate whether microRNAs are involved in the development of fludarabine resistance, we analyzed the expression of 723 human miRNAs before and 5-days after fludarabine mono-therapy in 17 CLL patients which were classified as responder or refractory to fludarabine treatment based on NCI criteria.

Results

By comparing the expression profiles of these two groups of patients, we identified a microRNA signature able to distinguish refractory from sensitive CLLs. The expression of some microRNAs was also able to predict fludarabine resistance of 12 independent CLL patients. Among the identified microRNAs, miR-148a, miR-222 and miR-21 exhibited a significantly higher expression in non-responder patients either before and after fludarabine treatment. After performing messenger RNA expression profile of the same patients, the activation of p53-responsive genes was detected in fludarabine responsive cases only, therefore suggesting a possible mechanism linked to microRNA deregulation in non-responder patients. Importantly, inhibition of miR-21 and miR-222 by anti-miRNA oligonucleotides induced a significant increase in caspase activity in fludarabine-treated p53-mutant MEG-01 cells, suggesting that miR-21 and miR-222 up-regulation may be involved in the establishment of fludarabine resistance.

Conclusions

This is the first report that reveals the existence of a microRNA profile that differentiate refractory and sensitive CLLs, either before and after fludarabine mono-therapy. A p53 dysfunctional pathway emerged in refractory CLLs and could contribute in explaining the observed miRNA profile. Moreover, this work indicates that specific microRNAs can be used to predict fludarabine resistance and may potentially be used as therapeutic targets, therefore establishing an important starting point for future studies.
Recent key advances in human immunodeficiency virus medicine and implications for China
Authors: Sun Kai , Zhou Shuntai , Chen Ray Y , Cohen Myron S , Zhang Fujie
Published: May 2010

In this article we summarize several recent major developments in human immunodeficiency virus treatment, prevention, outcome, and social policy change. Updated international guidelines endorse more aggressive treatment strategies and safer antiretroviral drugs. New antiretroviral options are being tested. Important lessons were learned in the areas of human immunodeficiency virus vaccines and microbicide gels from clinical studies, and additional trials in prevention, especially pre-exposure prophylaxis, are nearing completion. Insight into the role of the virus in the pathogenesis of diseases traditionally thought to be unrelated to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome has become a driving force for earlier and universal therapy. Lastly, we review important achievements of and future challenges facing China as she steps into her eighth year of the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program.
Vanadium pentoxide induces pulmonary inflammation and tumor promotion in a strain-dependent manner
Authors: Rondini Elizabeth A , Walters Dianne M , Bauer Alison K
Published: May 2010

Background

Elevated levels of air pollution are associated with increased risk of lung cancer. Particulate matter (PM) contains transition metals that may potentiate neoplastic development through the induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, a lung cancer risk factor. Vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) is a component of PM derived from fuel combustion as well as a source of occupational exposure in humans. In the current investigation we examined the influence of genetic background on susceptibility to V2O5-induced inflammation and evaluated whether V2O5 functions as a tumor promoter using a 2-stage (initiation-promotion) model of pulmonary neoplasia in mice.

Results

A/J, BALB/cJ (BALB), and C57BL/6J (B6) mice were treated either with the initiator 3-methylcholanthrene (MCA; 10 μg/g; i.p.) or corn oil followed by 5 weekly aspirations of V2O5 or PBS and pulmonary tumors were enumerated 20 weeks following MCA treatment. Susceptibility to V2O5-induced pulmonary inflammation was assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and chemokines, transcription factor activity, and MAPK signaling were quantified in lung homogenates. We found that treatment of animals with MCA followed by V2O5 promoted lung tumors in both A/J (10.3 ± 0.9 tumors/mouse) and BALB (2.2 ± 0.36) mice significantly above that observed with MCA/PBS or V2O5 alone (P < 0.05). No tumors were observed in the B6 mice in any of the experimental groups. Mice sensitive to tumor promotion by V2O5 were also found to be more susceptible to V2O5-induced pulmonary inflammation and hyperpermeability (A/J>BALB>B6). Differential strain responses in inflammation were positively associated with elevated levels of the chemokines KC and MCP-1, higher NFκB and c-Fos binding activity, as well as sustained ERK1/2 activation in lung tissue.

Conclusions

In this study we demonstrate that V2O5, an occupational and environmentally relevant metal oxide, functions as an in vivo lung tumor promoter among different inbred strains of mice. Further, we identified a positive relationship between tumor promotion and susceptibility to V2O5-induced pulmonary inflammation. These findings suggest that repeated exposures to V2O5 containing particles may augment lung carcinogenesis in susceptible individuals through oxidative stress mediated pathways.
Semi-robotic 6 degree of freedom positioning for intracranial high precision radiotherapy; first phantom and clinical results
Authors: Wilbert Jürgen , Guckenberger Matthias , Polat Bülent , Sauer Otto , Vogele Michael , Flentje Michael , Sweeney Reinhart A
Published: May 2010

Background

To introduce a novel method of patient positioning for high precision intracranial radiotherapy.

Methods

An infrared(IR)-array, reproducibly attached to the patient via a vacuum-mouthpiece(vMP) and connected to the table via a 6 degree-of-freedom(DoF) mechanical arm serves as positioning and fixation system. After IR-based manual prepositioning to rough treatment position and fixation of the mechanical arm, a cone-beam CT(CBCT) is performed. A robotic 6 DoF treatment couch (HexaPOD™) then automatically corrects all remaining translations and rotations. This absolute position of infrared markers at the first fraction acts as reference for the following fractions where patients are manually prepositioned to within ± 2 mm and ± 2° of this IR reference position prior to final HexaPOD-based correction; consequently CBCT imaging is only required once at the first treatment fraction.

The preclinical feasibility and attainable repositioning accuracy of this method was evaluated on a phantom and human volunteers as was the clinical efficacy on 7 pilot study patients.

Results

Phantom and volunteer manual IR-based prepositioning to within ± 2 mm and ± 2° in 6DoF was possible within a mean(± SD) of 90 ± 31 and 56 ± 22 seconds respectively. Mean phantom translational and rotational precision after 6 DoF corrections by the HexaPOD was 0.2 ± 0.2 mm and 0.7 ± 0.8° respectively. For the actual patient collective, the mean 3D vector for inter-treatment repositioning accuracy (n = 102) was 1.6 ± 0.8 mm while intra-fraction movement (n = 110) was 0.6 ± 0.4 mm.

Conclusions

This novel semi-automatic 6DoF IR-based system has been shown to compare favourably with existing non-invasive intracranial repeat fixation systems with respect to handling, reproducibility and, more importantly, intra-fraction rigidity. Some advantages are full cranial positioning flexibility for single and fractionated IGRT treatments and possibly increased patient comfort.
Human difference in the genomic era: Facilitating a socially responsible dialogue
Authors: Knerr Sarah , Ramos Edward , Nowinski Juleigh , Dixon Keianna , Bonham Vence L
Published: May 2010

Background

The study of human genetic variation has been advanced by research such as genome-wide association studies, which aim to identify variants associated with common, complex diseases and traits. Significant strides have already been made in gleaning information on susceptibility, treatment, and prevention of a number of disorders. However, as genetic researchers continue to uncover underlying differences between individuals, there is growing concern that observed population-level differences will be inappropriately generalized as inherent to particular racial or ethnic groups and potentially perpetuate negative stereotypes.

Discussion

We caution that imprecision of language when conveying research conclusions, compounded by the potential distortion of findings by the media, can lead to the stigmatization of racial and ethnic groups.

It is essential that the scientific community and with those reporting and disseminating research findings continue to foster a socially responsible dialogue about genetic variation and human difference.
Targeting of mesenchymal stem cells to ovarian tumors via an artificial receptor
Authors: Komarova Svetlana , Roth Justin , Alvarez Ronald , Curiel David T , Pereboeva Larisa
Published: May 2010

Background

Mesenchymal Progenitor/Stem Cells (MSC) respond to homing cues providing an important mechanism to deliver therapeutics to sites of injury and tumors. This property has been confirmed by many investigators, however, the efficiency of tumor homing needs to be improved for effective therapeutic delivery. We investigated the feasibility of enhancing MSC tumor targeting by expressing an artificial tumor-binding receptor on the MSC surface.

Methods

Human MSC expressing an artificial receptor that binds to erbB2, a tumor cell marker, were obtained by transduction with genetically modified adenoviral vectors encoding an artificial receptor (MSC-AR). MSC-AR properties were tested in vitro in cell binding assays and in vivo using two model systems: transient transgenic mice that express human erbB2 in the lungs and ovarian xenograft tumor model. The levels of luciferase-labeled MSCs in erbB2-expressing targeted sites were evaluated by measuring luciferase activity using luciferase assay and imaging.

Results

The expression of AR enhanced binding of MSC-AR to erbB2-expressing cells in vitro, compared to unmodified MSCs. Furthermore, we have tested the properties of erbB2-targeted MSCs in vivo and demonstrated an increased retention of MSC-AR in lungs expressing erbB2. We have also confirmed increased numbers of erbB2-targeted MSCs in ovarian tumors, compared to unmodified MSC. The kinetic of tumor targeting by ip injected MSC was also investigated.

Conclusion

These data demonstrate that targeting abilities of MSCs can be enhanced via introduction of artificial receptors. The application of this strategy for tumor cell-based delivery could increase a number of cell carriers in tumors and enhance efficacy of cell-based therapy.
Requirement of ATM-dependent pathway for the repair of a subset of DNA double strand breaks created by restriction endonucleases
Authors: Suzuki Keiji , Takahashi Maiko , Oka Yasuyoshi , Yamauchi Motohiro , Suzuki Masatoshi , Yamashita Shunichi
Published: May 2010

Background

DNA double strand breaks induced by DNA damaging agents, such ionizing radiation, are repaired by multiple DNA repair pathways including non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) repair and homologous recombination (HR) repair. ATM-dependent DNA damage checkpoint regulates a part of DNA repair pathways, however, the exact role of ATM activity remains to be elucidated. In order to define the molecular structure of DNA double strand breaks requiring ATM activity we examined repair of DNA double strand breaks induced by different restriction endonucleases in normal human diploid cells treated with or without ATM-specific inhibitor.

Results

Synchronized G1 cells were treated with various restriction endonucleases. DNA double strand breaks were detected by the foci of phosphorylated ATM at serine 1981 and 53BP1. DNA damage was detectable 2 hours after the treatment, and the number of foci decreased thereafter. Repair of the 3'-protruding ends created by Pst I and Sph I was efficient irrespective of ATM function, whereas the repair of a part of the blunt ends caused by Pvu II and Rsa I, and 5'-protruding ends created by Eco RI and Bam HI, respectively, were compromised by ATM inhibition.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that ATM-dependent pathway plays a pivotal role in the repair of a subset of DNA double strand breaks with specific end structures.
Localization of an hTERT repressor region on human chromosome 3p21.3 using chromosome engineering
Authors: Abe Satoshi , Tanaka Hiromi , Notsu Tomomi , Horike Shin-ichi , Fujisaki Chikako , Qi Dong-Lai , Ohhira Takahito , Gilley David , Oshimura Mitsuo , Kugoh Hiroyuki
Published: May 2010

Telomerase is a ribonucleoprotein enzyme that synthesizes telomeric DNA. The reactivation of telomerase activity by aberrant upregulation/expression of its catalytic subunit hTERT is a major pathway in human tumorigenesis. However, regulatory mechanisms that control hTERT expression are largely unknown. Previously, we and others have demonstrated that the introduction of human chromosome 3, via microcell-mediated chromosome transfer (MMCT), repressed transcription of the hTERT gene. These results suggested that human chromosome 3 contains a regulatory factor(s) involved in the repression of hTERT. To further localize this putative hTERT repressor(s), we have developed a unique experimental approach by introducing various truncated chromosome 3 regions produced by a novel chromosomal engineering technology into the renal cell carcinoma cell line (RCC23 cells). These cells autonomously express ectopic hTERT (exohTERT) promoted by a retroviral LTR promoter in order to permit cellular division after repression of endogenous hTERT. We found a telomerase repressor region located within a 7-Mb interval on chromosome 3p21.3. These results provide important information regarding hTERT regulation and a unique method to identify hTERT repressor elements.
Loss of Bradykinin Signaling Does Not Accelerate the Development of Cardiac Dysfunction in Type 1 Diabetic Akita Mice
Authors: Wende Adam R. , Soto Jamie , Olsen Curtis D. , Pires Karla M. P. , Schell John C. , Larrieu-Lahargue Frederic , Litwin Sheldon E. , Kakoki Masao , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Smithies Oliver , Abel E. Dale
Published: May 2010

Bradykinin signaling has been proposed to play either protective or deleterious roles in the development of cardiac dysfunction in response to various pathological stimuli. To further define the role of bradykinin signaling in the diabetic heart, we examined cardiac function in mice with genetic ablation of both bradykinin B1 and B2 receptors (B1RB2R−/−) in the context of the Akita model of insulin-deficient type 1 diabetes (Ins2Akita/+). In 5-month-old diabetic and nondiabetic, wild-type and B1RB2R−/− mice, in vivo cardiac contractile function was determined by left-ventricular (LV) catheterization and echocardiography. Reactive oxygen species levels were measured by 2′-7′-dichlorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence. Mitochondrial function and ATP synthesis were determined in saponin-permeabilized cardiac fibers. LV systolic pressure and the peak rate of LV pressure rise and decline were decreased with diabetes but did not deteriorate further with loss of bradykinin signaling. Wall thinning and reduced ejection fractions in Akita mouse hearts were partially attenuated by B1RB2R deficiency, although other parameters of LV function were unaffected. Loss of bradykinin signaling did not increase fibrosis in Ins2Akita/+ diabetic mouse hearts. Mitochondrial dysfunction was not exacerbated by B1RB2R deficiency, nor was there any additional increase in tissue levels of reactive oxygen species. Thus, loss of bradykinin B2 receptor signaling does not abrogate the previously reported beneficial effect of inhibition of B1 receptor signaling. In conclusion, complete loss of bradykinin expression does not worsen cardiac function or increase myocardial fibrosis in diabetes.
Dauer pheromone and G-protein signaling modulate the coordination of intraflagellar transport kinesin motor proteins inC. elegans
Authors: Burghoorn Jan , Dekkers Martijn P. J. , Rademakers Suzanne , de Jong Ton , Willemsen Rob , Swoboda Peter , Jansen Gert
Published: May 2010

Cilia length and function are dynamically regulated by modulation of intraflagellar transport (IFT). The cilia of C. elegans amphid channel neurons provide an excellent model to study this process, since they use two different kinesins for anterograde transport: kinesin-II and OSM-3 kinesin together in the cilia middle segments, but only OSM-3 in the distal segments. To address whether sensory signaling modulates the coordination of the kinesins, we studied IFT protein motility in gpa-3 mutant animals, since dominant active mutation of this sensory Gα protein GPA-3QL) affects cilia length. In addition, we examined animals exposed to dauer pheromone, since dauer formation, which involves gpa-3, induces changes in cilia morphology. Live imaging of fluorescently tagged IFT proteins showed that in gpa-3 mutants and in larvae exposed to dauer pheromone, kinesin-II speed is decreased and OSM-3 speed is increased, whereas structural IFT proteins move at an intermediate speed. These results indicate that mutation of gpa-3 and exposure to dauer pheromone partially uncouple the two kinesins. We propose a model in which GPA-3-regulated docking of kinesin-II and/or OSM-3 determines entry of IFT particles into the cilia subdomains, allowing structural and functional plasticity of cilia in response to environmental cues.
Cysteine String Protein-α Prevents Activity-Dependent Degeneration in GABAergic Synapses
Authors: García-Junco-Clemente Pablo , Cantero Gloria , Gómez-Sánchez Leonardo , Linares-Clemente Pedro , Martínez-López José A. , Luján Rafael , Fernández-Chacón Rafael
Published: May 2010

The continuous release of neurotransmitter could be seen to place a persistent burden on presynaptic proteins, one that could compromise nerve terminal function. This supposition and the molecular mechanisms that might protect highly active synapses merit investigation. In hippocampal cultures from knock-out mice lacking the presynaptic cochaperone cysteine string protein-α (CSP-α), we observe progressive degeneration of highly active synaptotagmin 2 (Syt2)-expressing GABAergic synapses, but surprisingly not of glutamatergic terminals. In CSP-α knock-out mice, synaptic degeneration of basket cell terminals occursin vivoin the presence of normal glutamatergic synapses onto dentate gyrus granule cells. Consistent with this, in hippocampal cultures from these mice, the frequency of miniature IPSCs, caused by spontaneous GABA release, progressively declines, whereas the frequency of miniature excitatory AMPA receptor-mediated currents (mEPSCs), caused by spontaneous release of glutamate, is normal. However, the mEPSC amplitude progressively decreases. Remarkably, long-term block of glutamatergic transmission in cultures lacking CSP-α substantially rescues Syt2-expressing GABAergic synapses from neurodegeneration. These findings demonstrate that elevated neural activity increases synapse vulnerability and that CSP-α is essential to maintain presynaptic function under a physiologically high-activity regimen.
The Peptide Hemopressin Acts through CB1Cannabinoid Receptors to Reduce Food Intake in Rats and Mice
Authors: Dodd Garron T. , Mancini Giacomo , Lutz Beat , Luckman Simon M.
Published: May 2010

Hemopressin is a short, nine amino acid peptide (H-Pro-Val-Asn-Phe-Lys-Leu-Leu-Ser-His-OH) isolated from rat brain that behaves as an inverse agonist at the cannabinoid receptor CB1, and is shown here to inhibit agonist-induced receptor internalization in a heterologous cell model. Since this peptide occurs naturally in the rodent brain, we determined its effect on appetite, an established central target of cannabinoid signaling. Hemopressin dose-dependently decreases night-time food intake in normal male rats and mice, as well as in obeseob/obmale mice, when administered centrally or systemically, without causing any obvious adverse side effects. The normal, behavioral satiety sequence is maintained in male mice fasted overnight, though refeeding is attenuated. The anorectic effect is absent in CB1receptor null mutant male mice, and hemopressin can block CB1agonist-induced hyperphagia in male rats, providing strong evidence for antagonism of the CB1receptorin vivo. We speculate that hemopressin may act as an endogenous functional antagonist at CB1receptors and modulate the activity of appetite pathways in the brain.
Deafening-Induced Vocal Deterioration in Adult Songbirds Is Reversed by Disrupting a Basal Ganglia-Forebrain Circuit
Authors: Nordeen K. W. , Nordeen E. J.
Published: May 2010

Motor exploration can be an adaptive strategy when behavior fails to achieve an expected outcome. For example, like humans, adult songbirds change their vocal output when auditory feedback is altered or absent. Here, we show that the output of an anterior forebrain pathway (AFP) through the avian basal ganglia directly contributes to the expression of deafening-induced vocal changes in adulthood. Lesioning the output nucleus of this circuit in adult male zebra finches reverses moderate changes in song structure and variability caused by deafening. Furthermore, the results indicate that more severe deafening-induced changes in vocal behavior likely reflect altered function outside the AFP (e.g., within the vocal motor pathway). AFP lesions do not promote recovery if songs are severely deteriorated at the time of lesion even though previous work shows that the AFP is required for such deterioration to emerge. Thus, in birds, as in mammals, the contribution of basal ganglia-thalamic-cortical circuits to motor control may change when feedback is absent or unexpected and includes both “active” and “permissive” roles.
Reduced serum total osteocalcin is associated with metabolic syndrome in older men via waist circumference, hyperglycemia, and triglyceride levels
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Chubb S A Paul , Flicker Leon , McCaul Kieran A , Ebeling Peter R , Beilby John P , Norman Paul E
Published: May 2010

Objective

Bone-derived undercarboxylated osteocalcin regulates insulin secretion and sensitivity in mice, and reduced serum total osteocalcin (TOC) is associated with diabetes in humans. However, the relationship between TOC levels and other cardiovascular risk factors is uncertain. We sought to determine whether serum TOC is associated with metabolic syndrome and its components in older men.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis from a population-based cohort of men aged ≥70 years.

Methods

Early morning sera were assayed for TOC. Insulin resistance was estimated using a homeostatic model (HOMA2-IR). Metabolic syndrome was defined according to NCEP-ATPIII criteria.

Results

TOC was assayed in 4047 men. Men who were not fasting and reported having bone fractures, Paget's disease, or bisphosphonate, glucocorticoid, or warfarin use were excluded, leaving 2765 men with metabolic syndrome present in 797 (28.8%). TOC was inversely associated with waist circumference, glucose, and triglyceride levels and HOMA2-IR (all P<0.001), and was lower in men with metabolic syndrome (mean±s.e.m.: 20.1±0.4 vs 21.4±0.2 μg/l, P=0.002). In multivariate analysis, men with TOC of 13.25–16.55 and <13.25 μg/l had 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of metabolic syndrome compared with men with levels ≥30 μg/l. TOC remained associated with metabolic syndrome after adjustment for individual components, but not after adjusting for both waist circumference and glucose.

Conclusions

Increased waist circumference, reduced TOC, elevated glucose, and triglyceride levels are inter-related in aging men. Osteocalcin may lie in the causal pathway between central adiposity and insulin resistance. Further research is required to evaluate whether interventions which raise osteocalcin levels might decrease cardiovascular risk.
Amends of an old feud
Authors: Bródy A. , Ábel I.
Published: May 2010

Mathematical duality in economic dynamics offers a fresh insight for applied research. The dichotomy of causes and objectives is fading away in economics just like it disappeared from physics over the past century. The struggle between apparently conflicting theories gives way to practical approaches of empirical assessment of economic motion. We present an approach based on the Goodwin model which offers a clear exposition and deeper insight by using the mathematical concept of the ‘first integral’. Goodwin’s classic model of the economic cycle stands on the dividing line between the teleological and the causal school of thought and is theoretically acceptable to both. Inputs and outputs, aims and means, causes and objectives are organically interconnected in his approach that also provides a computationally simple alternative to facilitate the numerical and graphical description of economic cycles.
Contribuição para o levantamento agrostológico do município de Campinas
Authors: Dedecca D. M.
Published: May 2010

O presente trabalho relaciona as gramíneas que ocorrem no município de Campinas, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, e representa uma contribuição ao conhecimento da flora agrostológica brasileira. Devido à falta absoluta de chaves para a classificação das gramíneas brasileiras, a identificação das espécies é sempre tarefa trabalhosa, obrigando o investigador, na maioria dos casos, à leitura de uma série interminável de diagnoses. Neste trabalho, cêrca de 120 espécies, distribuidas por 55 gêneros (incluindo as gramíneas cultivadas), foram relacionadas e colocadas em chaves artificiais para classificação, o que muito vem facilitar a identificação de uma dada gramínea. Em tôdas as chaves propostas foram usados os critérios morfológicos adotados pela maioria dos investigadores, principalmente os que Hitchcock (2) utilizou nos seus estudos sôbre as gramíneas norte-americanas. Foi observada a grande dominância das chamadas gramíneas tropicais sôbre as de clima temperado, o que está perfeitamente de acôrdo com a situação geográfica ocupada pelo município de Campinas. Dêste modo, salientam-se em número, os gêneros e as espécies pertencentes às tribos Panicex, Andropogonex, Chloridex, etc, sendo bem limitado o número de representantes das tribos Festucex, Agrostidex, Phalaridex, Avenex, etc. O hábito, perene ou anual, de cada espécie, é indicado, bem como o seu período de florescimento. Duas espécies são dignas de especial menção pela sua rara ocorrência: Paspalum doellii Chase, que é o novo taxon para Paspalum neesii Kunth var. monochyrium Doell, e Paspalum verrucosum Hack., que até então havia sido assinalada apenas para a flora do Paraguai.
Extração do fósforo do solo pelo método de Neubauer e por métodos químicos
Authors: Catani R. A. , Gargantini H.
Published: May 2010

Nêste trabalho são apresentados dados sôbre a extração do fósforo de alguns solos do Estado de São Paulo, obtidos pelo método biológico de Neubauer e por diversos métodos químicos. Foram empregados três tipos de solo : massapé-salmourão, terra roxa misturada e arenito Bauru. As amostras de solo foram submetidas à extração do fósforo por arroz (Oryza sativa L.), usando a técnica de Neubauer, com pequenas modificações. Ao mesmo tempo o fósforo foi extraído das referidas amostras com os seguintes extratores : água distilada; solução de ácido acético 0,25 normal; solução de ácido sulfúrico 0,05 normal; solução 0,025 ncrmal de fluoreto de amônio e 0,05 normal de ácido sulfúrico ; solução 0,25 normal de ácido oxálico e 0,75 normal de oxalato de potássio.
Solubilidade de alguns tipos de calcários
Authors: Gallo Romano , Catani R. A.
Published: May 2010

No presente trabalho é apresentado um estudo comparativo da solubilidade de alguns tipos de calcários. Verifica-se o comportamento dêsses materiais em solução de ácido acético a 1% e assinala-se a vantagem do método na caracterização do tipo de calcário. Nêste estudo foram utilizados três calcários sedimentares e cinco metamórficos, entre os quais um dolomito típico e um altamente cálcico, todos do Estado de São Paulo. Como referência, devido sua elevada solubilidade, foi incluída uma amostra de calcita, procedente de Goiás. Foram determinados os teores totais de CaO e MgO nas duas frações usadas : 65-150 e 150-270 malhas e cs íeores solúveis em ácido acético a 1% nas.relações dè uma parte em pêso do material para 100, 200, 300, 500, 750 e 1.000 partes en volume da soluça-o. Os dados obtidos foram computados em termos de CaCO3 equivalente e a solubilidade dos materiais foi medida : 1) em relação ao peso de material; 2) em função do total de neutralizante das frações. Os resultados mostraram a solubilidade mais elevada dos calcários altos em cálcio em relação acs calcários dolomíticos de igual finura. Entre êstes, os sedimentares revelaram-se mais solúveis que os metamórficos de semelhante composição química. O estado de divisão do material teve importância relativa, maior sôbre a solubilidade nos calcários dolomíticos que nos de elevado teor em cálcio.
Efeitos determinados no solo pelo uso contínuo de fertilizantes
Authors: Catani R. A. , Gallo J. Romano
Published: May 2010

Êste trabalho tem por objetivo estudar o efeito que o uso contínuo de sulfato de amônio, superfosfato e cloreto de potássio, determinam no solo. Serviram, como material de estudo, duas experiências de adubação que a Secção de Cereais e Leguminosas do Instituto Agronômico vem executando em Campinas (terra roxa misturada) e Mocóca (terra massapé), durante 16 anos e 12 anos, respectivamente. Foram retiradas amostras compostas de terra, das linhas que receberam adubo e das entrelinhas de três repetições dos seguintes tratamentos : Testemunha, N, P, K, NPK, (2N)PK, N(2P)K e NP(2K). Os resultados analíticos mostraram que o sulfato de amônio aumentou a acidez do solo, enquanto que o superfosfato e cloreto de potássio tiveram pouca ou nenhuma influência nêsse sentido. Constatou-se também um acréscimo de potássio trocável nos tratamentos que receberam cloreto de potássio e um aumento na concentração de fósforo no solo, solúvel em ácido sulfúrico 0,05 normal e de fósforo solúvel em solução 0,025 normal em NH4F e 0,05 normal em H2SO4.
Novo nematódeo parasito da batatinha
Authors: Lordello Luiz Gonzaga E. , Zamith Adiel Paes Leme , Boock O. J.
Published: May 2010

Pratylenchus steineri n. sp. (Nematoda, Heteroderidae), novo parasito da batatinha (Solanum tuberosum L.), é descrita. A sua importância reside no fato de determinar, nos tubérculos, pequenas e numerosas pústulas, desvalorizando o produto proveniente de terrenos infestados. As lesões são superficiais, uma vez que no interior dos tubérculos os tecidos permanecem sadíos. Dá-se a distribuição da espécie no Estado de São Paulo, são fornecidas algumas anotações bionômicas, bem como outras relativas à sua importância como parasito. São também indicadas medidas de controle (seleção dos tubérculos-semente e rotação de culturas).
Reação da laranjeira azêda à tristeza
Authors: Costa A. S. , Grant T. J. , Moreira Sylvio
Published: May 2010

Mudinhas novas de laranjeira azêda podem ser infetadas com o vírus da tristeza por meio do afídio vetor da moléstia ou mais fàcilmente por enxertia. Plantas adultas são muitos resistentes, quase imunes. A recuperação do vírus da tristeza de plantas de laranja azeda infetadas é efetuada com facilidade por meio de enxertia e com muita dificuldade por meio do vetor. Os sintomas comumente apresentados por mudinhas de laranja azêda afetadas, consistem em amarelecimento das fôlhas novas, paralisação no crescimento e eventual queda das fôlhas amareladas. Em caso de infecção com estirpes fracas do vírus, os sintomas são menos evidentes e comumente há recuperação. As fôlhas formadas após recuperação, muitas vêzes apresentam palidez de pequenas extensões das nervuras. Os tecidos do floema da laranjeira azêda, abaixo do enxêrto de laranjeira doce infetada, mostram degeneração. Êstes sintomas têm sido utilizados para distinguir a tristeza de outras moléstias que causam declínio da planta. Sintomas de depressões no lenho ("pitting") raramente se manifestam em laranjeira azêda. Não se conhece presentemente nenhuma variedade de laranja azêda tolerante à tristeza, não se podendo, portanto, utilizar êsse cavalo para copas nas quais o vírus da tristeza se multiplica e atinge concentrações elevadas. Entretanto, a laranjeira azeda ainda pode ser usada como cavalo para alguns limões dos tipos Eureka e Siciliano e para a própria laranjeira azêda, em áreas invadidas pela moléstia. Há possibilidade de que o cavalo de azêda possa vir a ser novamente empregado para variedades que usualmente perecem quando nela enxertadas, lançando-se mão de medidas auxiliares como a inoculação prévia da copa com uma estirpe fraca do vírus, pela utilização do tipo de copa com união múltipla, etc. Borbulhas de plantas de laranja azêda afetadas pela tristeza nem sempre encerram o vírus. Borbulhas de plantas afetadas ou de plantas sadias se desenvolvem mais ou menos satisfatòriamente quando sôbre-enxertadas em galhos de laranjeira doce sobre laranjeira azêda, já em avançado estado de declínio. Uma copa mista de laranjeiras azêda e doce sôbre cavalo de azêda pode causar alguns benefícios à planta afetada pela tristeza sob determinadas condições, mas êsse benefício não é duradouro e o método não oferece possibilidades práticas. A laranjeira azêda em viveiro tem sido utilizada com vantagem na determinação da presença do vírus da tristeza em borbulhas de vários tipos de Citrus, pela observação do crescimento feito a partir dessas borbulhas em comparação com aquêle de borbulhas da mesma variedade garantidamente sadias. Para a determinação da presença de estirpes fracas do vírus o método é mais demorado. Interenxertos de laranjeira azêda entre copas e raízes de laranjeira doce são suficientes para que haja manifestação de sintomas da moléstia. Há aparentemente alguma translocação através do interenxêrto, pois o desenvolvimento do cavalo abaixo e acima dele é aproximadamente igual.
Métodos para identificação e controle da tristeza dos citros
Authors: Moreira S. , Costa A. S. , Grant T. J.
Published: May 2010

Algumas regiões citrícolas, especialmente no continente europeu, ainda não foram, ao que parece, atingidas pela moléstia tristeza dos citros. Os conhecimentos adquiridos durante as investigações feitas sôbre a moléstia permitem indicar como identificá-la e prevenir suas desastrosas conseqüências nos laranjais. Os sintomas gerais nas plantas afetadas são semelhantes aos causados pela podridão do pé (gomose), podendo-se distinguí-la da tristeza examinando as raízes. Há combinações cavalo-enxêrto tolerantes e não tolerantes ao vírus. É, porisso, muito importante o reconhecimento da espécie cavalo, o que se pode fazer no pomar examinando a sua brotação ou observando o grau de congenialidade entre cavalo e enxerto. O teste colorimétrico feito com a casca da raiz também auxilia o reconhecimento. Os sintomas chamados "pitting" das limas ácidas e pomelos, permitem identificação da tristeza no pomar. O teste de Schneider, Wallace & Dimitan combinado com observações de campo, pode substituir, nas regiões onde a moléstia já foi constatada, os testes de transmissibilidade, mais rigorosos porém demorados, feitos no viveiro ou em estufas. A transmissão por enxertia ou por insetos vetores é feita da planta suspeita para plantas sadias de combinações não tolerantes ao vírus (laranjeira doce sobre azeda) ou para pés francos do limoeiro galego. É de interesse conhecer qual a estirpe do vírus predominante na região, para orientação dos citricultores quanto aos métodos de contrôle da moléstia. A identificação da espécie de afídios predominante na região permite prever a velocidade da disseminação da tristeza, porquanto umas são vetores muito eficientes, outras pouco. O contrôle da tristeza é obtido por métodos indiretos. Nas novas plantações evitam-se as combinações não tolerantes, empregando-se como variedade-cavalo as laranjeiras doces, as tangerineiras, os limoeiros Cravo (Rangpur) e Rugoso. Ãs vezes é possível o emprego de pés francos provenientes dos embriões nucelares. Nas plantações já existentes pode-se fazer a substituição total ou parcelada (individual) das plantas, conforme se constate predominância de afídios muito ou pouco eficientes e de estirpes fortes ou fracas do vírus. A sub-enxertia ("inarching"), a sôbre-enxertia ("topworking") e o afrancamento do enxerto são outras tantas modalidades de controle da tristeza, as quais podem ser vantajosamente empregadas em determinadas condições. Medidas de quarentena podem retardar a invasão das zonas ainda livres da tristeza, -sendo de interesse o esclarecimento do público quanto ao perigo representado pela importação de plantas ou suas partes vivas, exceto as sementes.
Vermelhão do algodoeiro
Authors: Costa A. S. , Sauer H. F. G.
Published: May 2010

Uma moléstia do algodoeiro associada à infestação pelo pulgão Aphis gossypii, é descrita. É proposto que o nome vermelhão fique restrito a essa moléstia e que quando esta designação for usada em associação com outras moléstias, seja qualificada em seu emprêgo. São apontadas algumas diferenças que permitem distinguir o vermelhão do afídio de outras condições em que a coloração das fôlhas do algodoeiro é mais ou menos semelhante. Foi verificado que, quando afídios coletados de plantas com vermelhão eram alimentados em algodoeiros novos por 48 horas apenas, os sintomas da moléstia se manifestavam dentro de 12 a 30 dias. Infestações com um afídio por planta foram suficientes para reproduzir a moléstia em alguns casos ; com cinco afídios por planta conseguiu-se reproduzir a moléstia com maior freqüência ; com 25 afídios, em praticamente todos os casos. Insetos da mesma espécie, coletados de plantas de pepino, não produziram o vermelhão quando colocados sobre algodoeiros. Reprodução de vermelhão foi obtida por enxertia, passando os sintomas a se manifestar nos cavalos ; houve também perpetuação dos sintomas por enxertia em terceira reprodução vegetativa. A evidência obtida nos ensaios de reprodução da moléstia é discutida, sendo apontado que tudo indica ser um vírus a causa primária da moléstia e não toxina do inseto ou deficiência de elementos. Outras hipóteses alternativas são mencionadas.
A ocorrência de plasmodesmas no endosperma de Coffea arabica L. var. typica Cramer
Authors: Mello Ayres G. C. de
Published: May 2010

O endosperma de café, tratado segundo a técnica utilizada por Crafts nos seus estudos com Solanum tuberosum L., evidenciou a ocorrência de plasmodesmas nas paredes de suas células. Êstes plasmodesmas apresentam-se como filamentos tênues, na maioria dos casos geniculados e agregados em grupos, localizados nos "campos de pontuações primárias". O aspecto, a morfologia, a freqüência e a distribuição dos plasmodesmas, no endosperma de café, são sensivelmente semelhantes às estruturas vistas e descritas por Quisumbing, em Diospyros kaki L.
A fixação do nitrogênio do ar pelas bactérias que vivem associadas com as leguminosas crotalária e mucuna
Authors: Catani R. A. , Gargantini H. , Gallo J. Romano
Published: May 2010

Com a finalidade de conhecer a quantidade de nitrogênio fixado simbiòticamente por crotalária (Crotalaria juncea, L.) e mucuna anã (Stizolobium deeringianum, Bart.) e a influência de alguns fatôres sôbre o fenômeno, instalou-se uma experiência em vasos de Mitscherlich contendo solo tipo terra roxa misturada. Os tratamentos empregados foram os seguintes : 1) testemunha ; 2) NPK ; 3) NPK + calcário ; 4) NPK + inoculante ; 5) NPK + calcário + inoculante; 6) PK + calcário; 7) PK + calcário + inoculante. Dois meses após a germinação das sementes colheu-se o material para análise, dosando-se o N nas raízes e nas partes vegetativas das plantas. Nessa ocasião foram tiradas diversas fotografias, para documentação comparativa da nodulação das raízes nos diversos tratamentos.
Melhoramento da soja: 1. Observações preliminares sôbre o comportamento de algumas variedades de soja em São Paulo
Authors: Miyasaka Shiro
Published: May 2010

O presente trabalho relata observações preliminares sôbre o comportamento em conjunto, de variedades de soja ensaiadas na Secção de Genética do Instituto Agronômico de Campinas. As sementes daquelas variedades foram coletadas recentemente em várias partes do Estado ou introduzidas de países estrangeiros. São apresentados também os resultados de ensaio de novas variedades comerciais bem como observações sobre os caracteres agronômicos de alguns tipos mais promissores. Verificou-se que muitas das variedades recem introduzidas se mostraram inferiores à variedade Abura, que é recomendada atualmente pela Secretaria da Agricultura aos lavradores do Estado de São Paulo. Somente algumas variedades como N 47-3332, Cotia 14, Aliança Preta e Aliança, sobressaíram, carecendo de estudos mais acurados. Os resultados preliminares de um ensaio comparativo de novas variedades comerciais revelaram a alta produtividade das variedades Paraná Tardia e Yelnando. As produções das variedades Nova Granada, Pereira Barreto, LA. 455 e La 41-1219 foram ligeiramente prejudicadas pelo baixo "stand" final. O estudo da variabilidade dos característicos de 18 das melhores variedades demonstrou que, em Campinas, certa resistência ao ataque pelo nematoide Meloidogyne sp. •encontra-se nas variedades Palmetto e La 41-1219, alta porcentagem de óleo e proteína nas variedades Aliança Preta, Yelnando, La 41-1219, Cotia 14 e Acadian, alguma resistência a deiscência e ao acamamento nas variedades I.A.455, Paraná Tardia, Pereira Barreto, Aliança e Nova Granada, e resistência à moléstia "pústula bacteriana" na variedade C.N.S.. Fatores favoráveis aos característicos altura de primeira inserção das vagens, altura da planta e ciclo longo das plantas são encontrados na variedade Aliança. A variabilidade dos característicos como côr da semente, tamanho da semente, côr da flôr e da pubescência e rachadura da casca da semente foi também observada nessas diversas variedades.
Amostragem de solo para estudos de fertilidade
Authors: Catani R. A. , Gallo J. Romano , Gargantini H. , Conagin A.
Published: May 2010

O presente trabalho foi realizado com a finalidade de estabelecer um sistema e técnica mais adequados de se coletar amostras de terra, para fins de estudo de fertilidade. Foram escolhidas duas áreas de solos diferentes. Uma delas com seis hectares, situada na Estação Experimental de Ribeirão Prêto, em solo tipo terra roxa legítima ; a outra com quatro hectares e localizada na Fazenda Santa Maria, em Pindorama, em solo do tipo arenito Bauru. A retirada das amostras de cada área foi feita com tubos especialmente construídos para esse fim e obedeceu ao seguinte critério: 1) 30 amostras simples, cobrindo tôda a área ; 2) 10 amostras compostas, formadas de cinco amostras simples, cobrindo tôda a área. 3) 5 amostras compostas, formadas de 20 amostras simples, cobrindo tôda a área. Nessas amostras foram determinados : pH, carbono total, potássio "trocável" e cálcio "trocável". Diante dos dados obtidos e levando-se em conta o trabalho exigido no laboratório, aconselha-se a retirada de três amostras compostas formadas de 20 simples cada uma, em glebas uniformes, de cinco hectares aproximadamente.